Liz Burdock Statement on Virginia’s Gov. Northam Announcement

Statement from Liz Burdock, CEO & President, Business Network for Offshore Wind:

“Governor Ralph Northam has announced the Commonwealth of Virginia commitment to using its purchasing power for the largest government renewable energy procurement by 2022. This will include the first offshore wind project in federal waters. This news comes as the global offshore wind industry watches Dominion Energy construct the United States’ first offshore wind project in federal waters. Virginia’s existing commercial lease, Dominion’s request for 2,600 Megawatts of offshore wind generated electricity to be integrated into the PJM grid, combined with the Governor’s Leadership and promise of significant clean energy initiatives ensures the Commonwealth is a very strong leader for offshore wind, not just in the mid-Atlantic but for the nation.

As the Commonwealth continues to embrace offshore wind energy into its energy mix the relationship between clean energy development and job growth will become clear. The days of the zero-sum game are gone. Offshore wind creates onshore jobs. This is a remarkable time for our nation and an excellent time for the Commonwealth and the Offshore Wind Industry."