OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY
Our Commitment
Ensuring offshore wind energy’s equitable and rapid development to meet our 100% carbon-free climate goals.
THE ISSUE
With the Virginia Clean Economy Act, Virginia is embarking on the biggest offshore wind energy projects on the East coast. The Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Project will produce 5200 megawatts of offshore wind energy by 2035, putting Virginia on the path to confronting the climate crisis and realizing the creation of thousands of jobs supporting its industry. Virginia must now ensure that OSW is developed in a way that is fair, equitable, and beneficial for all Virginians.
COASTAL VIRGINIA OFFSHORE WIND PROJECT LOCATION
ROUNDUP: Central Atlantic Auction Grows Offshore Wind Industry
Virginia's offshore wind energy industry continues to grow after the sale of a Central Atlantic lease 35 miles from the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay to Dominion Energy.
Offshore Wind Propels Virginia’s Workforce Through Cable Manufacturing Facility
Virginia’s offshore wind energy industry continues to build the Commonwealth’s reputation (and economy) as the leader of one of the fastest-growing clean energy sectors in the world with the announcement of a supporting cable manufacturing facility in the City of Chesapeake.
OPINION: The process is working when it comes to offshore wind energy
In a joint Opinion-Editorial, Virginia Conservation Network and Sierra Club Virginia Chapter celebrate the milestones that will start the construction of the largest offshore wind project in the country.
ROUNDUP: Virginia Conservation Network Celebrates Next Step for Offshore Wind Energy
The Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project has taken the next step towards completion! The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) issued its Record of Decision, which kicks off the 90-day approval period of the Construction and Operations Plan (COP).
OPINION: “All of the Above,” but not all-in on offshore wind
Virginians cannot afford to put today’s clean energy solutions on hold. In an Op-Ed, VCN explains why we need to be all-in on offshore wind energy to cut household energy costs, grow our economy, and create jobs.
ROUNDUP: Virginia Energy Plan
Virginia Conservation Network and our partners called on the Governor to use this plan to continue to map out Virginia’s clean energy future and meet our goal to be carbon-free by 2050. Instead, Youngkin’s plan seeks to undermine the Virginia Clean Economy Act, repeal our Clean Car Standards, and invest in unproven technologies.
RESOURCES
Article: Whales Are Dying but Not from Offshore Wind
Scientific American published an article debunking the myth that offshore wind projects are responsible for killing whales, instead identifying ship strikes and rising ocean temperatures as the real causes.
Offshore Wind Generation Solution Podcast
The Sierra Club Virginia Chapter's Pollution Solutions Show podcast released an episode delving into offshore wind and its advantages for Virginians.
Webinar Series: Clean Energy Funding for Rural Virginia
The Virginia Solar Initiative and the Virginia Department of Energy hosted a two-part webinar series informing Virginia's rural communities of federal clean energy funding opportunities.
Report: Not a Single Collision for Seabird Populations in Offshore Wind Farm
A two-year study on the interactions of several seabird species at an offshore wind farm found that not a single case of birdstrike was recorded over the study period or in the 10,000 videos taken.
Implementation Framework for the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund
The Environmental Protection Agency released a framework to implement the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, aimed at financing projects nationwide to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution through the Inflation Reduction Act.
Offshore Wind Energy Poll
By wide margins, offshore wind is popular among U.S. coastal residents, with seven in 10 voters in support of expanding offshore wind energy.