Send Va. Offshore Wind Development Focus of Meeting

Posted: 7:32 AM Jan 17, 2013
Reporter: AP

January 17, 2013

RICHMOND, Virginia (AP)— Federal officials are heading to Richmond to explain the ground rules for developing wind power off Virginia's coast.

Representatives with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management are scheduled to offer an overview Thursday of competitive lease sales in waters about 27 miles off Virginia Beach. The lease sales are scheduled later this year.

The Interior Department has said the 133-square-mile lease area has the potential to generate enough electricity to power 700,000 homes.

Dominion Virginia Power has been among the energy companies that have expressed interest in developing wind farms off the coast.

Proponents say Virginia is strongly positioned to support a new offshore wind industry that could create thousands of jobs. They point to the state's port and shipbuilding industry and optimal winds and ocean depths.


Story copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Newsplex.com Mobile Home

Gray Television, Inc - Copyright 2002-2012 - Powered by Gray Interactive Media

Full Site - Contact Station