Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell laid out his energy blueprint Thursday for the upcoming legislative session, a varied collection of initiatives aimed at developing traditional and new sources of power.
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The plan would allow utilities to expand natural resource infrastructure if it aids in economic development, even if those costs exceed what the company will recoup in consumption charges.
“To be the Energy Capital of the East Coast we must work together to empower the private sector to invest in the projects necessary to develop these resources,” McDonnell said in a statement. “In addition to ensuring access to affordable and reliable energy for our families and businesses, energy development also creates good-paying jobs for our citizens and brings much-needed economic expansion to regions where the projects are located.”
The General Assembly will take up McDonnell’s proposal when it convene Jan. 11.
In a change-up from the typical Republican mantra, including his own, McDonnell gave the Division of Gas and Oil more regulatory authority over the permitting and oversight of wells and pipelines, and is asking mine operators to provide more detailed safety plans to state officials before beginning production. McDonnell has criticized federal agencies for environment regulations that he said kills jobs.
McDonnell, who has consistently pushed for an all-inclusive approach for the state’s energy development, also veered from the typical Republican playbook by setting aside $500,000 in his two-year budget to assist wind energy research.
Utilities will have more opportunities to develop and produce renewable energy technologies under McDonnell’s proposal, and, if approved, the state would open up certificates for companies looking to build biomass plants.
