Governor of Virginia, Terry McAuliffe, has formally unveiled the 2014 Virginia Energy Plan. The Governor laid out his strategic vision for energy policy in Virginia in front of a mixture of members of the business and conservation communities.
The Governor’s energy plan highlights his commitment to a true “all of the above” energy strategy that will promote the use and development of all available resources.
Offshore wind is highlighted as one of the key resources to strengthen Virginia’s energy supply : “Offshore wind has the potential to provide the largest, scalable renewable energy resource for Virginia.”
“Virginia is unique with a shallow continental shelf that extends out 30 miles. With its proximity to load centers, supply chain infrastructure, a trained work force and best in class ports, offshore wind can provide substantial benefits to the state,” the 2014 Virginia Energy Plan reads.
Furthermore, the energy plan stresses that offshore wind energy has the potential to become a $15 billion dollar industry over the next ten years and can support new jobs in project construction and operation, and in supply chain businesses.
In his remarks, Governor McAuliffe said: “If we are going to build the economy Virginia families deserve, we must begin by giving them the energy plan our economy demands. The plan we are rolling out today is focused on growing our energy economy (particularly in the renewable sector), emphasizing energy conservation, strengthening our energy infrastructure and training the workforce we need for the future.
“By working together, I am confident that four years from now we will live in a stronger Commonwealth that is less dependent on external forces and is fueled by cleaner, cheaper and more abundant Virginia energy.”
The Governor unveiled the 2014 Virginia Energy Plan at an event co-sponsored by the Virginia Chamber of Commerce and the Virginia League of Conservation Voters.
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Source: governor.virginia.gov