Statement: Virginia joins Maryland and North Carolina in show of leadership on offshore wind energy

New tristate partnership will assist in growth of important clean renewable energy source

Environment Virginia

RICHMOND – In a show of bipartisan support for renewable energy, the governors of Maryland, North Carolina and Virginia announced Thursday that the three states have created a partnership to coordinate the development of offshore wind. The collaboration, known as the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Regional Transformative Partnership for Offshore Wind Energy Resources (SMART-POWER), will develop a leadership team with representatives from each state. The group will work to expand and promote wind energy in these states. 

In response, Elly Boehmer, Environment Virginia’s state director released the following statement:

“Global warming impacts everyone and the Southeast is particularly vulnerable with sea levels rising and extreme weather. It is great to see Virginia join with our neighbors and once again take a commanding role in tackling the climate crisis.

“In March, Virginia became the seventh state in the country to commit to 100 percent clean energy by mid-century with the passing of the Virginia Clean Economy Act. In order to hit this goal as fast as possible, we need to invest in clean, renewable energy and spurring the development of offshore wind is essential. A demonstration offshore wind project is already underway off the coast of Virginia. This tri-state agreement now further unlocks the bountiful potential of this renewable energy like never before. With it, we can work faster and harder toward a cleaner, healthier future.”