Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 15.2-2295.3 as follows:

§15.2-2295.3. Local zoning regulations related to mines; Planning District 8.

Pursuant to §45.2-1227, localities in Planning District 8 may establish standards and adopt zoning regulations related to mines and mineral mines, as defined in §45.2-1101, that exceed standards and regulations adopted by the Director of the Department of Energy, including the prohibition of all mining and mineral mining activity in any area of the locality zoned for residential use.