Energize Virginia: A Hopeful Prospect For An Environmentally Sustainable Commonwealth

by: jgiara

Wed May 25, 2011 at 15:06:05 PM EST

There's a hopeful renewable energy prospect on the rise within the Commonwealth, and it's one that can address not one, but three long-term issues facing the U.S.: unemployment, renewable energy sources, and global warming. What might this solution be, you ask? Wind Power, specifically, offshore wind - the long-term answer to Virginia's growing energy demand, and the stepping stone to not only a renewable Virginia, but a sustainable world. On Saturday, June 4th, join such visionaries as green job advocate Terry McAuliffe, State Senator Donald McEachin, and numerous speakers from such organizations as the Sierra Club, the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, and the Atlantic Wind Connection to help map out the ways in which we can work towards a brighter, cleaner future for Virginia.

What is wind power? How effective has it been as an energy source? For roughly 5,500 years, human beings have harnessed wind, a highly dynamic, unfailingly pervasive aspect of nature for use as a viable source of energy. Wind power is the energy outlet that pushed the first explorers to the new world, powered the agricultural spread of South Asia in as early as 7th century AD, and the highly sustainable, renewable source of power satisfying the energy needs of the world today. It's a veritable no brainer that such a clean source of energy, which yields no harmful emissions, be brought to Virginia, a state still struggling to overcome the 20th century fossil fuel mindset.

Wind energy is one of the fastest growing energy sources in the globe, the world's total wind power capacity doubling roughly every three years. In fact, between the years 2000 and 2006, total wind power capacity more than quadrupled, with Europe at the helm, accounting for just under 50% of the world's total wind energy usage. China, too, has shown a national consensus for developing renewable energy outlets to sustain their rapidly growing country, and in 2010 accounted for more than half of the global market for wind turbines. So where is America, the leader of the free world, the nation which accounts for roughly 20% of the world's CO2  emissions, in all of this?

Governors' Wind Energy Coalition 2010 Recommendations

by: Eileen

Mon Mar 22, 2010 at 14:56:41 PM EST

Adopt a Renewable Electricity Standard
The nation's wind energy industry and supporting infrastructure will not reach their full potential unless the nation sets a minimum requirement for the use of renewable electricity.

Develop New Interstate Electric Transmission System
Infrastructure as Needed to Provide Access to Premier Renewable Energy both On-Shore and Offshore Developing the states' rich domestic renewable resources will require improvements to the electric transmission system.

Support Coastal, Deep Water, Offshore Wind Energy Technology Research and Development
If the nation is to meet the goal of providing 20 percent of its electric needs from wind power by 2030 and then continue wind's expansion to provide even greater contributions in both the electricity and the transportation sectors, it must develop and use all the nation's wind energy resources, including the rich wind areas along the nation's coastal and Great Lake states.

Streamline Permitting Processes for Both Offshore and On-Shore Wind Development Projects
Congress must approve legislation that will allow for the efficient and timely review of wind projects on federal lands and in off shore coastal regions. While legislation is needed to improve the permitting process, dramatically improved coordination among state, federal and industry participants is equally important.

Dramatically Expand Wind Research, Innovation, and Collaboration
Wind power technology is one of the best economic development opportunities for our states. Production of wind energy components and systems can help revitalize the manufacturing sector, and will provide substantial benefits to the nation's economy through domestic and export markets.

Extend the Treasury Department Grant Program Created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and Adopt a Long-Term Renewable Energy Production Tax Credit (PTC) with Provisions to Broaden the Pool of Investors Eligible to Participate
An extension of the Treasury Department grant program is necessary while financial markets continue to recover. Over the longer-term, the Production Tax Credit, which has been the primary federal incentive for wind energy, should be extended for at least five years to provide a stable incentive for wind energy investment.

Offshore Wind! Yes, its real!

by: ClimateJess

Wed Feb 04, 2009 at 11:11:32 AM EST

After two years of study, a group of scientists and energy experts has concluded that building a wind farm off Virginia Beach is feasible, would cost about $1 billion and could spur more than 1,000 "green" jobs over three years.

The most viable project, the group said, would consist of 196 turbines, each 300 feet tall, converting heavy offshore winds into electricity in waters roughly east of Back Bay.

The envisioned farm, which private energy interests would construct, would not interfere with tourism, fishing or military training - the Navy even could become a partner, the study said.

This report comes out on the heels of several other important disclosures on wind.  First, disappointing realization that Virginia is one of only a handful of states with no major wind installations. Temper that however with our tremendous smart grid funding opportunities, which make this more feasible.  
And the news that wind now employs more people than coal!!  

Despite state funding issues, this is the time for us to lead in wind!  Lets make jobs, secure our national independence, and protect our environment...all at the same time.

More on the report after the jump.