As stewards of creation, we have a moral responsibility and opportunity to transition towards efficient, clean energy. We can increase our use of renewable energy sources by advocating for smart, sustainable legislation. Using local, clean energy in Virginia such as wind, solar, and biomass will allow us to leave a legacy of leadership for future generations and help us become energy independent. A clean energy economy will also create jobs, sustain economic growth and protect our health, safety, and environment.
Net Metering
Agricultural and community net metering incentivizes the collective use of renewable energy by allowing energy produced at one site to offset the consumption from another site. It also allows participants who make more energy than they use to sell excess energy back to the utility company.
Net metering furthers Virginia’s transition from fossil fuels to clean energy by allowing Virginians to save money producing energy from renewable sources while protecting the environment.
Offshore Wind
VA4Wind is a new coalition that has come together in an effort to spur offshore wind energy development off of Virginia’s coast.
Offshore Wind: Good Jobs, Clean Power for Virginia
Virginia should be taking advantage of tremendous wind resources off our coast.
Powering Virginia Homes: Harnessing this untapped natural resource could provide enough energy to power 700,000 homes by the end of this decade and even more in the future.
Good, Local Jobs: Developing Virginia’s offshore wind resources will create more than 10,000 career-length jobs over the next 20 years.
Economic Growth: If there are plans in place for large-scale wind power off Virginia’s coast, businesses that manufacture equipment for this new American industry will be more likely to locate here in Virginia adding to the jobs and economic development from our offshore wind farms.
Long-term Price Stability: Because the fuel – wind – is free, offshore wind power can lock in affordable prices for the long-term. This will help prevent continually rising fossil fuel costs from hurting Virginia’s consumers and businesses.
Clean Energy: Wind provides clean energy, while burning fossil fuels pollutes our air, water, and seafood. Greenhouse gases released by burning coal, oil and natural gas cause seal level rise and more frequent severe weather events as a result of climate change.
Virginians’ Health: Pollutants released by fossil fuel power plants have been linked to a range of health problems, including asthma attacks, lung cancer, heart attacks, strokes, neurological development risks and premature death.
Dominion Virginia Power: Virginia’s largest power provider, Dominion, can lead the way to create this new industry by incorporating a plan for wind energy.
Governor McDonnell’s Support: Governor McDonnell can help make Virginia the true clean energy capital of the East Coast by incentivizing wind investors and manufacturers to come to Virginia.
In the Press:
FRIDAY INTERVIEW: Four Questions for Terry McAuliffe
100 Percent Renewables: The Resources are There, Says UN Report
The Washington Post: Proponents of Wind Turbines Off Virginia's Coast Seeking Commitments from Dominion
Aside from Virginia Interfaith Power & Light, coalition member groups include the Sierra Club Virginia Chapter, Chesapeake Climate Action Network, and the Green Jobs Alliance.