Making Virginia the Energy Capitol of the East Coast

Governor McDonnell and Lieutenant Governor Bolling are working to make Virginia the Energy Capitol of the East Coast. By growing our energy economy we can create high paying jobs in Virginia, while helping our nation achieve a greater degree of energy independence.

Governor McDonnell and Lieutenant Governor Bolling believe in an “all of the above“ approach to energy policy. They strongly support the expansion of traditional forms of energy, such as coal, natural gas and nuclear power; but they also support expanding renewal forms of energy in Virginia, such as wind, solar and biofuels.

In addition to supporting efforts to expand energy production in Virginia, the McDonnell/ Bolling Administration also supports responsible efforts to promote effective energy conservation. For example, the Administration has required that all new state buildings comply with energy efficient LEED standards, and that state agencies take numerous other steps to reduce energy consumption and protect our natural resources.

Specific energy policies advanced by the McDonnell/Bolling Administration include:

• Developing Virginia’s Energy Future - We want to make Virginia a leader in developing the next generation of new and emerging energy technologies. We are working to transform our colleges and universities into incubators for research and development of new energy technologies and recruit new energy related businesses to Virginia.  . 
• Developing Virginia’s Off-Shore Energy Resources - We support the exploration and development of Virginia’s offshore energy resources. The development of oil and natural gas off the coast of Virginia will help create thousands of new jobs and produce a significant economic benefit for the Commonwealth. Unfortunately, the Obama Administration has refused to allow Virginia to develop its off-shore energy resources. We are actively working with our congressional partners to reverse this misguided decision. 
  
• Promoting Off-Shore Wind Energy - We also want to make Virginia a leader in the development of off-shore wind energy. In 2010, the Virginia Offshore Wind Development Authority was created to help Virginia craft an effective strategy for securing public and private investments in off-shore wind energy. Additionally, Governor McDonnell has joined with the governors of nine other states to form the Atlantic Offshore Wind Energy Consortium. The Consortium will promote the development of wind energy off the Atlantic Coast. 

Other energy related initiatives pursued by the McDonnell/Bolling Administration include:

• Green Jobs Tax Credits - In 2010, the General Assembly approved legislation to create a green jobs tax credit in Virginia. This tax credit program will encourage the growth and expansion in green industries. 
• Universities Clean Energy Development and Economic Stimulus Foundation - In 2010, the General Assembly also approved legislation to create the Universities Clean Energy Development and Economic Stimulus Foundation. This Foundation will provide financial assistance for research and development of clean energy and alternative fuels. 
  
• Clean Energy Manufacturing Incentive Grant (CEMIG) - In 2011, the General Assembly approved legislation to create a new Clean Energy Manufacturing Incentive Grant. CEMIG will provide financial incentives to companies that manufacture or assemble products that produce renewable or nuclear energy, or products used for energy conservation, storage or grid efficiency. 

Click here to view a copy of the Virginia Energy Plan.