Richmond, VA - This afternoon, former governor and U.S. Senate candidate Tim Kaine discussed the future of offshore wind energy at a roundtable with the Virginia Offshore Wind Coalition (VOWC) in Norfolk. During the 90-minute discussion, Kaine shared how wind and other alternative energy sources fit in to his all of the above energy plan, “Strengthening Our Economy Through Energy Innovation.” The discussion with VOWC marked the latest in a series of events across Virginia held to outline Kaine’s energy strategy to consumers, stakeholders, and other members of the energy community.
"In the last five years, 35 percent of the new power brought online in the United States has been from wind energy,” said Kaine. “This technology is creating jobs in America and in Virginia right now. Wind energy, solar and other alternatives will reduce our environmental impact while creating jobs and diversifying our economy."
During the conversation, Kaine emphasized the importance of alternative energy sources like wind, solar, and nuclear power in addition to traditional resources like coal, oil, and natural gas. The wind power industry is already creating manufacturing jobs in Virginia, and the Commonwealth is positioned to be a national leader in offshore wind energy generation.
"There are some, like my opponent, who ridicule wind power and other alternatives because ‘the wind doesn't always blow,’” said Kaine. “This disregard for promising, proven, and innovative technology will leave Virginia and the United States on the sideline of the emerging $2.3 trillion global clean energy market. Our energy challenges will require innovative solutions and I want those breakthroughs to occur here."
In addition to the development of alternative energy sources, Kaine focused on other parts of his energy policy proposal, including an increased emphasis on the production of natural gas and oil. As governor, Kaine implemented Virginia’s first comprehensive energy policy, investing in cleaner energy sources such as wind energy and permitting a state-of-the-art cleaner coal plant in Wise County.
"We appreciate Governor Kaine joining us to discuss opportunities for developing the offshore wind industry in Virginia," said Jeff Keever, Chairman of the Virginia Offshore Wind Coalition. "This technology can lead to additional capacity in our grid as well as job creation throughout the Commonwealth."
The VOWC, made up of developers, manufacturers, utilities, localities, business and environmental groups, and other organizations and individuals interested in offshore wind, supports initiatives and legislation that will expand Virginia’s production of wind energy, including the construction of an offshore wind farm.
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