Energy

I support finding ways to make Virginia and the United States more energy independent.  I voted in favor of legislation below to further that goal.  All of this legislation has become law .

HB 757 which became law in 2010 states that it shall be the policy of the Commonwealth to support oil and natural gas exploration, development, and production 50 miles or more off Virginia’s coast, taking into account the impact on affected localities, armed forces, and the mid-Atlantic regional spaceport.   This legislation will allow Virginia to drill offshore for oil and natural gas should the President determine that offshore drilling will be allowed again.  We are working with our Congressional delegation to further that goal as quickly as possible.

HB 756  also became law in 2010 and determined what would be done with any proceeds resulting from offshore drilling in Virginia’s coastal waters.  This legislation will put 70% of all proceeds into the Transportation Trust fund so it will be locked up for transportation projects only.  20% will be given to the Virginia Coastal Energy Research Consortium and 10% will be dedicated to improve infrastructure and transportation.

HB 389 in 2010 created the Virginia Offshore Wind Development Authority to facilitate and support the development of the offshore wind industry and wind-powered electric energy facilities located off the coast of the Commonwealth beyond the Commonwealth’s three-mile jurisdictional limit.