Norfolk, VA – Yesterday Governor McDonnell signed into law several bills that promote the development of an offshore wind industry in Virginia.

These bills were part of the legislative package of the Virginia Offshore Wind Coalition (VOW), a stakeholder organization formed in 2009 by localities, manufacturers, utilities, developers and supply chain members to promote the development of the offshore wind industry in Virginia. The Commonwealth is blessed with being an ideal location for the offshore wind industry, with the premier port facilities on the East Coast, a robust maritime industry and supply chain, superior rail connectivity, and a highly skilled workforce in the farthest North right-to-work state. The unanimous passage of legislation promoting offshore wind in Virginia sends a strong message to the industry, both nationally and internationally, that Virginia is ready to be a leader in the development of this emerging energy sector.