Governor Creates Virginia Offshore Wind Development Authority

On April 2, 2010, Va. Gov. Bob McDonnell signed several green energy bills into law that passed the General Assembly's 2010 session. SB577 (McEachin and Wagner) and HB389 (Janis), which passed both houses unanimously, create the Virginia Offshore Wind Development Authority to facilitate and support the development of the offshore wind industry and wind-powered electric energy facilities off the coast of Virginia.

Virginia's proximity to offshore wind resources and deep water ports puts it in a position to be one of the nation's leaders in the development of offshore wind farms. According to the Virginia Coastal Energy Research Consortium (VCERC), offshore wind could produce at least 20% of Virginia's electricity needs over the next 10 – 20 years.