State of Virginia secondary Archives: on Energy & Oil

Tom Garrett: Unleash energy companies to dig and produce energy

Tom supports efforts to let Americans drill, dig and produce energy. He opposes any subsidies or tax credits for oil, gas, wind, or solar companies--to include ethanol subsidies. The government should not be in the business of picking winners and losers, and our previous engagements in these types of activities have led to higher prices, less consumer choices and lower productivity.

Dave Brat: Broad-spectrum approach: Invest in wind, solar, oil, & more

Ralph Northam: We must act to address climate change

I firmly believe that it is both possible and necessary to achieve economic development that retains and improves the quality of our air, water, and land. The new energy economy has unlimited potential to create well-paying jobs for Virginians and provide a sustainable source of energy for the Commonwealth. As Lieutenant Governor I will continue to support efforts to promote alternative energy solutions such as wind, solar, and biodiesel.

Bob McDonnell: Cultivate green energy and renewables

Bob McDonnell: Opposes cap-and-trade as congressional encroachment

"I tell you, whether it's a Republican or Democratic Congress, it doesn't make any difference to me," McDonnell said. "As governor of Virginia, if there are policies generated at the federal level that are bad for Virginia, kill jobs and hurt our business & hurt our citizens, I will stand up against them."

Bob McDonnell: Drill for oil 50 miles offshore, environmentally safely

Republican McDonnell thinks transportation is important as well, which is why he says he supports off shore drilling. "Fifty miles off coast. Environmentally friendly. Safe in a way that generates billions in capital investment. Thousands of new jobs. Hundreds of millions in royalties & tax revenue. And I want to put that money into transportation & alternative energy research," says McDonnell.

Following a public outcry due to the recent closing of rest areas, both candidates have vowed to reopen them if elected. Deeds says they're a necessity. "If we're going to have a law that says you can only drive a truck for 10 hours in a 24-hour period, we're going to have to provide places to pull over and rest," says Deeds.

Creigh Deeds: No cap-and-trade during recession

Bob McDonnell: All-of-the-above approach: coal, oil, nuclear, & renewables

Bob McDonnell supports the safe offshore exploration and drilling of oil and natural gas which could, over a 10-year period, create 2,578 new jobs.

He will continue to support Virginia's coal and nuclear industry to ensure affordable, reliable energy now.

Bob will push for expedited permitting and approval processes for energy facilities so that energy sources can be brought online faster.

Jim Gilmore: Favors drilling ANWR and also drilling offshore

Mark Warner: Opposes drilling ANWR; but OK to drill offshore

Jim Gilmore: US should seek alternative fuels but still drill for oil

The difference between Mark Warner and myself rests with the part of the energy plan that will help people immediately. And that means we have to have more domestic oil production and free ourselves from the people overseas. We have to be prepared to drill in ANWR. We have to be prepared to drill offshore. And oil prices will go down if the United States has a decisive energy policy.

Jim Gilmore: US greatest energy resource is coal

WARNER: My position is that Congress should lift the moratorium on offshore drilling and leave that decision to the states. But drilling alone isn’t going to solve the whole problem. Investing in alternative energy is going to provide more immediate relief.

GILMORE: We need a long term comprehensive, long term plan that deals with conservation, which Mark and I agree on. But the typical Washington politician, like Harry Reed, who would be [Warner’s] leader in the Senate, have said that coal poisons all of us. And yet the US’ greatest resource in competition with the rest of the world is coal.

Jim Gilmore: Warner promised no offshore drilling, and now supports it

REALITY: Governor Warner’s veto message on the 2005 offshore drilling ban called on the state to monitor “federal developments on domestic energy production,” as part of a larger state study. Warner vetoed the bill because it encroached on the role of the Governor to direct the activities of the Virginia Liaison Office and directed the Commonwealth to advocate for federal legislation that has yet to be introduced. [Warner Veto Message, 3/29/05]

In January 2006, a study prepared for Governor Warner and state legislators “recommended that Virginia allow offshore exploration for natural gas and oil deposits but take precautions to protect the environment.” The study “suggested that drilling take place at least 50 miles from the coast and that no pipelines or other equipment be placed ashore.” [Washington Post, 4/6/06]

Mark Warner: Offshore drilling is acceptable but not the “silver bullet”

WARNER: My position is that Congress should lift the moratorium on offshore drilling and leave that decision to the states. I don’t believe we should be drilling in ANWR. Because Congress set it aside as a pristine area and similar to Senator McCain’s position, I see the dangers. But where I disagree with Jim is that this is somehow the silver bullet. America has 3% of the world’s oil and we use 25% of the world’s oil. Drilling alone isn’t going to solve the whole problem. Investing in alternative energy is going to provide more immediate relief.

Mark Warner: Vetoed offshore drilling ban until more laws & facts known

REALITY: Governor Warner’s veto message on the 2005 offshore drilling ban called on the state to monitor “federal developments on domestic energy production,” as part of a larger state study. Warner vetoed the bill because it encroached on the role of the Governor to direct the activities of the Virginia Liaison Office and directed the Commonwealth to advocate for federal legislation that has yet to be introduced. [Warner Veto Message, 3/29/05]

In January 2006, a study prepared for Governor Warner and state legislators “recommended that Virginia allow offshore exploration for natural gas and oil deposits but take precautions to protect the environment.” The study “suggested that drilling take place at least 50 miles from the coast and that no pipelines or other equipment be placed ashore.” [Washington Post, 4/6/06]