Strengthening Our Economy Through Energy Innovation

Expanding the use of all sustainable forms of domestic energy is good for the economy, good for America’s security, and good for our families’ health. In order to compete in the emerging $2.3 trillion clean energy market,¹ we need to be on the cutting edge of new technologies like wind, solar, and nuclear power while continuing to utilize our wealth of traditional domestic energy resources like Virginia’s plentiful coal reserves and natural gas. This will help ensure Virginia energy – whether for our homes, our businesses, or the cars and trucks we drive – is affordable, reliable, and clean.

I was the first Governor to put in place a comprehensive state energy strategy for Virginia. The plan called for the use of all Virginia energy sources and aimed to reduce Virginia’s rate of growth in energy use by 40 percent, reduce global warming pollution by 30 percent, and increase in-state energy production by 20 percent. The plan also approved exploratory drilling for natural gas off the coast of Virginia. As Governor, I promoted next-generation clean coal technology by supporting the permitting of a state-of-the-art coal-fired plant in Wise County. Finally, I proposed a change to state policy that created incentives for utilities to use renewable fuels and invest in energy conservation and energy efficiency.

I have long advocated a true all of the above energy approach that utilizes all native sources while transitioning to the clean energy alternatives that are already powering the future, like wind and solar. In an effort to reduce costs and increase our security, the Department of Defense, our nation’s largest energy user, has increased its energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives. We must encourage this sort of innovation, which will benefit the high- tech industry in Virginia while saving businesses and consumers money. As Senator, I will work to level the playing field for all sources of energy by repealing subsidies to the Big Five oil companies, which will save nearly $24 billion over ten years² that can be directed toward reducing the deficit and developing clean energy technology.

 

 

• Efficiency & Conservation

  Virginia is blessed with an abundance of energy resources, but at a time when everyone needs to save money and reduce costs, we must increase our energy efficiency to preserve these resources. Read more

• Infrastructure

  Maintaining a robust, modern energy infrastructure is vital to sustaining economic growth, attracting new industries, and meeting Virginia’s future energy needs. Read more

   

• Wind	Wind energy has grown 35 percent in the United States over the past five years. It is clean and requires domestic manufacturing that is already creating jobs in Virginia. Read more

• Solar

  The cost of solar energy has plummeted thanks to technological innovation and improved manufacturing processes. This is driving a boom in the installation of solar panels on Virginia homes and businesses. Read more

• Biofuels and Biomass

  Biofuel and biomass products supplement traditional fossil fuels, providing Americans with a versatile, natural energy source to power vehicles and generate electricity. Widespread use of liquid biofuels can lead to more stable prices at the gas pump and cleaner vehicle emissions. Read more

• Coal	Virginia has an abundance of natural resources that are profitable to our state, and we must work to make those energy sources cleaner. Read more

• Nuclear

  Nuclear energy provides about 20 percent of the country’s electricity and is an important part of an all of the above energy strategy. Read more

• Natural Gas

  Thanks to technological advances, natural gas is a critical piece of Virginia’s and our nation’s domestic energy portfolio. It is making electricity cheaper and cleaner, and it is helping bring manufacturing jobs back to the United States. Read more

• Offshore Drilling

  I disagree with the decision of the U.S. Department of the Interior to leave Virginia out of its five-year program for outer continental shelf oil and gas development. Read more

 

 

¹The Pew Charitable Trusts, Global Clean Power: A $2.3 Trillion Opportunity. December 2010.
²Joint Committee on Taxation. March 23, 2012.
³Commonwealth of Virginia. Office of the Governor. Executive Order 48: Energy Efficiency in State Government. 2007.