State of Virginia secondary Archives: on Energy & Oil


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

We have the unprecedented opportunity to be the leading energy producing state on the East Coast and Bob McDonnell will spend four years making that happen. Bob McDonnell's plan for "More Energy, More Jobs" takes an "all of the above" approach to solving our energy crisis. His administration will continue to support the traditional sources of energy that provide thousands of jobs for Virginians and help keep our electricity costs fairly low. He will also expand investments in renewable energy sources and incentivize green job creation so that the future of Virginia remains bright.

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.

Source: 2009 VA Gubernatorial campaign site, bobmcdonnell.com Jul 21, 2009

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

McDonnell said Virginia needs a governor who would resist congressional encroachment, citing the cap-and-trade proposal to limit greenhouse emissions and "card-check" legislation backed by labor.

"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."

Source: Washington Post coverage: 2009 VA gubernatorial debate Jul 25, 2009

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

Both candidates focus on transportation. "Transportation's going to be the first year's work I've got as governor because I'm convinced that's the way we can create the most jobs, generate the most wealth, create the most revenue to get things started," says Democrat Deeds.

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.

Source: WHSV-TV-3 coverage: 2009 VA gubernatorial debate Jul 25, 2009

Bob McDonnell: Cultivate green energy and renewables

Currently, Virginia is the second largest importer of electricity behind California. This is unacceptable. Green energy must be cultivated to make it commercially practical and affordable. Renewables will certainly play an integral role in our energy future, but now we must take a comprehensive approach. We must create an environment to keep a ready supply of low cost energy. Our economy and quality of life depend on it.
Source: 2009 VA Gubernatorial campaign site, bobmcdonnell.com Nov 3, 2009

Creigh Deeds: No cap-and-trade during recession

McDonnell said Virginia needs a governor who would resist congressional encroachment, citing the cap-and-trade proposal to limit greenhouse emissions and "card-check" legislation backed by labor. Deeds said he would oppose cap-and-trade legislation if it would result in higher energy costs during a recession, a position that could trouble environmentalists in his party.
Source: Washington Post coverage: 2009 VA gubernatorial debate Jul 25, 2009

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

I support a broad-spectrum energy approach that relies on the free market. The private sector must be set free to invest in natural gas, wind, solar, oil, nuclear, and other forms of energy as we move forward. Ending our reliance on foreign oil and moving toward energy independence is vital to the future welfare of America.
Source: 2014 VA -7 House campaign website, DaveBratForCongress.com Jun 15, 2014

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

The people of Virginia are distressed right now because of the higher gas prices they're having to pay. It's manifesting itself in higher food costs. People are concerned about the tuition they have to pay these days. The answer is we have to have a decisive energy policy. We need this right now. I've put forward a comprehensive energy policy that includes wind energy and solar power. We can bring forth conservation efforts but we do need to use coal and nuclear power. We're the richest of anybody else in the world.

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.

Source: 2008 VA Senate Debate between Jim Gilmore and Mark Warner Jul 19, 2008

Jim Gilmore: US greatest energy resource is coal

GILMORE: [to Warner]: 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 US has a decisive energy policy.

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.

Source: 2008 VA Senate Debate between Jim Gilmore and Mark Warner Jul 19, 2008

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

RHETORIC: Gilmore: "You said in your veto that you would not in fact exercise that state authority to begin to explore for oil back in 2005."

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]

Source: 2008 VA Senate Debate: analysis by Warner campaign Jul 19, 2008

Jim Gilmore: Favors drilling ANWR and also drilling offshore

Gilmore tried to distinguish his energy policy from Warner's by insisting the Democrat would oppose offshore drilling. Warner has said he would be in favor of allowing states to explore the possibility of drilling off their shores. He said "we need more drilling off the coast." However, the candidates continue to differ on drilling in the ANWR: Gilmore favors it, while Warner opposes the practice.
Source: 2008 VA Senate Debate in The Washington Times Sep 19, 2008

Lee Carter: Co-sponsor of Virginia's Green New Deal Act

Lee is a co-sponsor of Virginia's Green New Deal Act. As we move forward with the transition to a renewable energy economy, he recognizes that we must get to zero carbon no later than 2035, and we cannot let the big electric monopolies control the process and price-gouge working Virginians on the transition. As Governor, Lee will ensure that municipal and cooperative utilities are the primary drivers of this transition, so that the process is owned and controlled by Virginia's consumers.
Source: 2021 VA Governor campaign website CarterForVirginia.com Aug 5, 2021

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

GILMORE: [to Warner]: 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 US has a decisive energy policy.

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.

Source: 2008 VA Senate Debate between Jim Gilmore and Mark Warner Jul 19, 2008

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

RHETORIC: Gilmore: "You said in your veto that you would not in fact exercise that state authority to begin to explore for oil back in 2005."

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]

Source: 2008 VA Senate Debate: analysis by Warner campaign Jul 19, 2008

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

Gilmore tried to distinguish his energy policy from Warner's by insisting the Democrat would oppose offshore drilling. Warner has said he would be in favor of allowing states to explore the possibility of drilling off their shores. He said "we need more drilling off the coast." However, the candidates continue to differ on drilling in the ANWR: Gilmore favors it, while Warner opposes the practice.
Source: 2008 VA Senate Debate in The Washington Times Sep 19, 2008

Ralph Northam: We must act to address climate change

I believe that we must act to address climate change. As Lt. Governor I will stand up to Ken Cuccinelli and others who refuse to acknowledge fact-based science and the effect of global warming on coastal communities from Alexandria to Hampton Roads.

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.

Source: 2016-17 VA gubernatorial campaign website NorthamForLG.com Nov 1, 2013

Tom Garrett: Unleash energy companies to dig and produce energy

We are blessed to live in a country rich in natural resources. We should be energy independent and not be held hostage by other countries for our energy needs. If we simply unleash our energy companies to do what they do best, we will have an improved economy, more jobs, and lower energy costs.

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.

Source: 2016 VA House campaign website TomGarrettForCongress.com Nov 8, 2016

  • The above quotations are from Commonwealth of Virginia Politicians: secondary Archives.
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