September 4, 2013
Offshore Wind Development Expands Along Virginia’s Coast
We have some exciting news to share on our efforts to promote renewable energy: today the United States Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) leased almost 113,000 acres off the coast of Virginia for wind energy development in a live auction.
“Offshore wind provides massive clean energy and job-creating potential for the United States and will also help us address the growing problem of climate change,” says Jacqueline Savitz, Oceana’s Vice President for U.S. Oceans. “We needed it yesterday, and we are glad the government is moving forward today.”
Virginia’s lease area lies 23.5 nautical miles offshore from Virginia Beach. Dominion Virginia Power won today’s bidding for $1.6 million. Earlier this summer, the BOEM held the first-ever competitive offshore wind lease auction, leasing 164,750 acres off the Massachusetts and Rhode Island coasts.
While we applaud these positive steps for alternative energy, Oceana is calling on Congress to go one step further. Offshore wind turbines are a hefty investment, and a long-term extension of the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for offshore wind will promote continued development of this clean domestic energy supply. Bipartisan legislation providing for a long-term extension of the ITC is currently working its way through both the House and Senate. Help Oceana fight for renewable energy by contacting your representative today and encouraging them to support an ITC extension.