Harnessing the wind off Virginia’s coast could provide enough energy to power 700,000 homes by the end of this decade. Plus the opportunities for job creation are huge. An aggressive build-out of offshore wind farms would create over 10,000 well-paying, local, career-length jobs right here in the Commonwealth. With plentiful offshore winds, a deep water port and a skilled and experienced labor force, Virginia could be the east coast capital for America’s new offshore wind industry.

VA4Wind is a new coalition that has come together in an effort to spur offshore wind energy development off of Virginia’s coast. Member groups include the Sierra Club Virginia Chapter, Chesapeake Climate Action Network, Green Jobs Alliance and Virginia Interfaith Power & Light.

Let’s get this thing blowing! Click here to TAKE ACTION for Virginia offshore wind power today!

“This is an opportunity to develop thousands of good paying union jobs in Virginia, which would enable our children and our children’s children to raise a family and share in the American dream,” said Bill Harriday, international staff representative for United Steelworkers.

“Our workers stand uniquely-equipped and trained to tackle green energy projects like offshore wind power. We believe our workforce to be one-of-a-kind when it comes to constructing advanced-tech wind turbines,” said Josh Collins, Virginia political and policy director for the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA). “We welcome this opportunity to join forces with our allies in VA 4 Wind Coalition to push for long-term sustainable energy solutions that will be a boon to thousands of unemployed workers.”

“Steel working, shipbuilding, construction, forging, manufacturing, you name it. For decades, most of those jobs critical to the wind industry have been union jobs”, said Eileen Levandoski, Virginia Conservation Program Manager with the Sierra Club. “Thus Virginia’s unionized labor force, regardless of its ‘right to work” policies, can and will be large and powerful advocates for offshore wind.”

According to the Virginia Coastal Energy Research Consortium (VCERC), a 3,000-megawatt Virginia coastal wind energy project built out over 20 years would create 10,000 jobs for Virginians. Specifically, it could create more than 6,000 construction jobs and 5,000 ongoing operation and maintenance jobs.

Leaders from Virginia’s union, industry, and environmental communities agree that Dominion and Governor McDonnell should coordinate efforts to develop offshore wind energy. Because Dominion is the commonwealth’s largest power provider, owns much of its transmission capacity, and has a great deal of political clout, Virginia’s offshore wind industry could flourish with the company on board. Governor McDonnell should take a leadership role in this process by making Virginia “the Clean Energy Capital of the East Coast.”

“This is all about new manufacturing, fabrication, and construction jobs right here in Virginia. If the McDonnell Administration fails to act and Dominion does not move forward with offshore wind development, the commonwealth could lose thousands of jobs to other states in the region,” said Randy Flood, executive director of Green Jobs Alliance.

In addition to thousands of new jobs, offshore wind energy offers countless benefits for Virginians, cleaner air and water, stable electricity prices, increased energy security, and reduced global warming emissions.

Beth Kemler, Virginia state director for the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, said: “Especially in the wake of a global warming-fueled hurricane and massive flooding, it’s more important than ever than we take aggressive steps toward the development of clean energy sources like offshore wind.”

VA4Wind is a coalition of Virginia organizations working together to spur offshore wind energy development off of Virginia’s coast. Members include the Sierra Club Virginia Chapter, Chesapeake Climate Action Network, Green Jobs Alliance and Virginia Interfaith Power & Light. Learn more at www.va4wind.com.

Richmond, VA – With the commonwealth’s largest utilities submitting their long term plans for meeting Virginia’s electricity needs to Virginia’s regulators later this week, a group of public health and environmental organizations called for a vision for a clean energy future. Appalachian Voices, Chesapeake Climate Action Network, Sierra Club, and Southern Environmental Law Center are calling on the State Corporation Commission to ensure that “Integrated Resource Plans” from Dominion and AEP address the needs and concerns of Virginia’s ratepayers, workers, and citizens by increasing investment in energy efficiency and renewable energy, rather than spending billions of ratepayer dollars to extend the lives of some of the companies’ oldest and dirtiest energy sources or investing in risky new coal-fired power plants.

Advocates hope to see specific elements in Dominion and AEP’s forthcoming Integrated Resource Plans. They expect that the State Corporation Commission will ensure that the plans include:

• No plans for new coal-fired power plants.
• No further investment in the Commonwealth’s oldest and dirtiest coal-fired power plants, such as Chesapeake, Yorktown, Glen Lyn, and Clinch River. Even with expensive, ratepayer-funded retrofits, these plants would continue to emit millions of tons of carbon pollution annually, together with dangerous pollutants like mercury and soot- and smog-forming chemicals that contribute to respiratory disease and premature death.
• Investment in the generation of wind power off the coast of Virginia, which could provide over 10,000 gWh of clean, renewable energy per year within the next decade without releasing any pollution. The industry could also provide 10,000 jobs and $1.9 billion a year in state GDP.
• Increased achievement of energy efficiency in Virginia, which has a potential for reducing energy needs by 39,000 gWh and shaving 11,000 MW (or more than 20 average size coal plants) off of peak demand by 2025 while saving a cumulative $15 billion for ratepayers and creating 10,000 jobs, according to a 2008 study by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy.

“Virginia ratepayers shouldn’t be forced to invest more money in old coal-fired power plants like Chesapeake, Yorktown, Glen Lyn, and Clinch River so they can continue poisoning our air and water and costing Virginians hundreds of millions of dollars in premature deaths and increased health costs,” said Glen Besa, Director of the Virginia Chapter of the Sierra Club. “It is past time to end the harmful pollution from these coal plants and invest instead in a new clean energy future and jobs for our workers with energy efficiency, wind, and solar power.”

Air pollution in Virginia from coal-fired power plants contributes to 647 premature deaths and 896 heart attacks annually, according to research by the Clean Air Task Force. Across the four-state central Appalachian region, over 2,000 miles of streams and 500 mountains have been destroyed by mountaintop removal in order to produce coal for power plants in Virginia and nationwide, causing elevated rates of cancer, heart disease, and birth defects in surrounding communities. Rather than continuing to spend money retrofitting old, dirty coal-fired power plants in order to comply with modern environmental regulations, the groups called on utilities to invest in renewable energy, such as offshore wind power.

“The price of coal in our region is skyrocketing – and that’s not counting the enormous cost imposed on society when it’s mined, processed, and burned. We simply cannot afford to pour billions in ratepayer dollars into these coal plants and effectively lock Virginia into greater dependence on this destructive and increasingly expensive fuel for decades to come,” said Tom Cormons, Virginia Director for Appalachian Voices.

Dominion has been participating in discussions of offshore wind power and has an executive, Mary Doswell, on the board of the Virginia Offshore Wind Development Authority. However Dominion has yet to commit to investing in this energy source in its official plans. Advocates worry that without a utility leading the way, Virginia will not only lose out on the thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in GDP associated with developing the commonwealth’s offshore wind industry but will likely also lose the race for the associated supply chain businesses to other states.

“Hurricane Irene shined a spotlight on the need for our utilities to transition to clean, renewable energy, instead of stubbornly sticking with fossil fuels,” said Beth Kemler, Virginia State Director for Chesapeake Climate Action Network. “While coal, oil and biomass power plants release greenhouse gases that contribute to more extreme weather events and rising sea levels through climate change, offshore wind turbines are a clean source of energy. In addition, the offshore wind power industry could provide thousands of much-needed jobs to Virginians. Environmentalists and policy-makers can talk about these benefits all we want but it’s really the utilities who have the power to flip the switch on this new industry.”

“Energy efficiency is a win-win-win for Virginia. Utilities can control their costs by weaning themselves from fossil fuels whose prices fluctuate dramatically. Workers across the state can benefit from implementing a suite of locally based energy-efficiency programs. Citizens will save money by using less energy. And everyone will breathe easier,” said Frank Rambo, head of the Clean Energy and Air Program at the Southern Environmental Law Center.

Dominion and AEP customers are also encouraged to contact the State Corporation Commission after the plans are filed – http://www.scc.virginia.gov/case/PublicComments.aspx.

As residents of Virginia and customers of Dominion, we must pressure our largest utility company to invest in Virginia offshore wind. Click here to sign our petition today and tell Dominion “Virginia wants wind power!”

Harnessing the wind off Virginia’s coast could provide enough energy to power 700,000 homes by the end of the decade. It’s a clean, renewable resource right off our own shores and the technology is available today! Plus the opportunities for job creation are huge. An aggressive build-out of offshore wind farms would create over 10,000 well-paying, local, career-length jobs right here in the Commonwealth.

It’s up to Dominion to lead the way. Sign our petition to Dominion today!”

We’ve seen it in Congress, we’ve seen it at the UN climate talks, and we’ve seen it at the statehouse in Richmond: the infuriating lack of motion on climate solutions.

To get things moving we need people power and inspiration. Thankfully, on September 24, we’ll get a planet-sized dose of both as tens of thousands of people across the globe take to the streets on roller blades, bicycles, skateboards, strollers and all manner of people-powered vehicles for 350.org’s Moving Planet day of climate action.

Events in Alexandria, Richmond and Virginia Beach will focus on what could be one of Virginia’s best climate solutions- offshore wind power.

Check out Moving Planet in:
Alexandria
Richmond
Virginia Beach

Moving Planet is a single day to move away from fossil fuels. For too long, our leaders have denied and delayed, compromised and caved. That era must come to an end. You can help us move Virginia’s leaders away from their coal addiction and toward clean, renewable wind energy.

Come on bike, on skates, on a board, or just on foot. Come with your neighbors and your friends, your family and your co-workers. Come be a part of something huge. It’s time to get moving on the climate crisis. We want to get hundreds of people in Virginia to show their support for offshore wind power to help solve the climate crisis.

RICHMOND – A coalition of Virginia environmental, labor, and business leaders today announced the creation of the VA4Wind coalition, which aims to make Virginia the offshore wind energy capital of the east coast. Because Dominion Virginia Power is the commonwealth’s largest electric utility, the coalition is calling on the company to develop a large-scale offshore wind energy project off of Virginia’s coast. VA4Wind’s primary members, the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, the Green Jobs Alliance, Interfaith Power & Light, and the Sierra Club Virginia chapter, formally announced the launch of their effort at a press conference this morning in Richmond. Representatives of Virginia’s labor, business, and faith communities joined VA4Wind leaders at the campaign launch.

At the event, VA4Wind leaders touted the plentiful benefits of offshore wind energy and the opportunities it provides for the commonwealth, including the addition of thousands of new jobs and a new revenue source for Virginia’s economy, cleaner air and water, and stable long-term energy prices. With plentiful offshore winds, a deepwater port and a skilled and experienced labor force, Virginia could easily be the east coast capital for America’s new offshore wind industry.

“It’s really incredible how much clean, domestic energy is untapped, right here off of Virginia’s coast,” said Beth Kemler, Virginia State Director for the Chesapeake Climate Action Network. “If the commonwealth takes action now, offshore wind could power 700,000 Virginia homes within a decade, while completely avoiding the risks associated with burning fossil fuels. Unlike conventional energy sources, wind power doesn’t explode, spill, or combust.”

In just a matter of weeks, VA4Wind has already collected more than 3,000 signatures from Virginians who want to see Dominion take concrete steps towards developing offshore wind power. In addition, more than 60 Virginia businesses and organizations have already pledged their support for offshore wind energy. Leaders applauded Dominion for its recent decision to study offshore wind transmission potential off the coast of Virginia Beach, but noted that research isn’t enough. As proof that offshore wind is a mature technology, the advocates pointed out that America’s first offshore wind farm, Cape Wind in Massachusetts, was given a green light by the federal government in April and plans to start construction as early as this fall.

Randy Flood, Executive Director of Green Jobs Alliance, said, “If we’re ever going to fully recover from this recession, the United States needs to return to making our own products. Developing an offshore wind industry right here in Virginia is a common sense solution to put Virginians back to work, and no other industry can promise the kind of job creation that offshore wind can offer.”

“Today, we’re calling on Dominion to join our team and work together with us to bring offshore wind energy to Virginia,” said Glen Besa, director of the Sierra Club Virginia Chapter. “We’d really like to see plans to build large-scale offshore wind in Dominion’s 2011 Integrated Resources Plan (IRP) as it moves forward with plans to retire its obsolete coal-fired power plants. Dominion’s interest in entering the offshore wind market should be reflected in its IRP filings before the Virginia State Corporation Commission this September.”

Trieste Lockwood with Virginia Interfaith Power and Light was on hand to discuss the importance of addressing climate change through clean energy. “Members of Virginia’s faith communities are legitimately concerned about climate change and how it will affect their children and grandchildren,” Lockwood explained. “It’s our responsibility to do all we can to protect the planet for future generations, and harnessing clean, renewable energy is a crucial part of this. By embracing wind technology, Virginia can truly become the energy capitol of the east coast.”

Learn more about the coalition of Virginians promoting wind energy at www.va4wind.com.

CONTACT:
Jamie Nolan Glen Besa
Chesapeake Climate Action Network Sierra Club Virginia Chapter
jamie@chesapeakeclimate.org glen.besa@sierraclub.org
410.463.9869 804.387.6001

Off our coast, there are strong, consistent winds ready to be harnessed to generate clean, renewable power. Virginia has a chance to create 10,000 jobs and power 700,000 homes with offshore wind energy if we come together and get started now.

This first citizens’ conference of offshore wind power in the Commonwealth provides a perfect opportunity to learn, ask questions, and get armed with the facts about wind off our coast. Hear powerful and expert speakers who will explain the issue in-depth and inspire action. Enjoy a day jam-packed with programming designed to encourage action and foster leadership in support of Virginia offshore wind.

Affordable registration fee includes lunch. Space is limited so click here to register TODAY.

“Virginia’s environmental groups applaud Dominion’s initiative to study development of an offshore wind transmission line emanating from Virginia Beach into the Atlantic. This study coupled with last year’s study supporting large-scale offshore wind energy grid integration capacities reinforces Dominion’s position as one of the nation’s leading electric utilities.

Today’s announcement also demonstrates Dominion’s full capability to champion Virginia’s offshore wind development. Harnessing the wind off Virginia’s coast could provide enough energy to power 700,000 homes by the end of this decade. It also spawns the creation of over 10,000 jobs with the wind industry’s complete build out. The best way to make this happen is for Virginia’s top utility to lead the way and we urge their full support of Virginia’s offshore wind development.

Dominion can’t develop Virginia’s offshore wind industry single-handedly. Governor McDonnell must aspire to make Virginia “the Clean Energy Capital of the East Coast.” This cannot be accomplished given Virginia’s policy deficiencies and lack of incentives that is currently jeopardizing Virginia’s offshore wind energy development. Up and down the east coast, governors of other states are aggressively making investments into offshore wind and will soon be reaping the jobs that come with it.

We encourage Dominion and Governor McDonnell to work together to harness this vast renewable resource for the people of Virginia.”

For more info, visit www.vawind2011.com.