State of Virginia Archives: on Energy & Oil
Frank Wagner:
Enable more utility-based solar power & renewable projects
The Governor signed the following bills introduced by Sen. Frank Wagner to promote the use of renewable energy:- SB 1393--Authorizes Community Solar Pilot Programs: creates a path for the creation of community solar programs. Each utility will
develop its own territory-specific program that allows citizens and businesses the ability to "subscribe" to receive electricity generated by a small centrally-located solar generation system.
- SB 1394/HB 2303--Establishes Small Agricultural
Generators Program: create a new framework for the generation of renewable energy at agricultural facilities and how that energy can be sold to utilities.
- SB 1395--Size of projects eligible for Permit by Rule: increases the allowable maximum size of
renewable projects to be eligible to be permitted from 100MW to 125MW. It also exempts projects that are being built for use by a single customer of a utility from having to apply for and receive a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity.
Source: Fauquier Times on 2017 Virginia gubernatorial race
May 8, 2017
Terry McAuliffe:
Signed 11 bills to promote solar & renewable energy
Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe signed 11 bipartisan bills passed by the General Assembly earlier this year that promote the use of solar and other renewable energy options and aim to reduce energy consumption across the commonwealth. - SB 1393--7th
District Sen. Frank Wagner--Authorizes Community Solar Pilot Programs that allow citizens and businesses the ability to "subscribe" to receive electricity generated by a small centrally-located solar generation system.
- SB 1394/HB 2303--Sen. Frank
Wagner and 10th District Delegate Randy Minchew--Establishes Small Agricultural Generators Program: a new framework for the generation of renewable energy at agricultural facilities and how that energy can be sold to utilities.
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SB 1395--Sen. Frank Wagner--Size of projects eligible for Permit by Rule: increases the allowable maximum size of renewable projects from 100MW to 125MW.
Source: Fauquier Times on 2017 Virginia gubernatorial race
May 8, 2017
Terry McAuliffe:
Diversify our fuel mix with zero-carbon emitting sources
The energy sector in Virginia holds tremendous potential for economic growth and development, but this potential will be unfulfilled if we are complacent.
This session we will advocate for legislation to increase the diversity of our fuel mix through increased utilization of zero-carbon emitting sources such as solar, wind, and nuclear.
These growing technologies will not only help Virginia create new jobs, they will also reduce our emissions as we work to mitigate the impacts of global warming.We will work to increase renewable development through public-private partnerships by
creating the Virginia Solar Development Authority. And we will introduce legislation to create an energy economic development fund to provide Virginia with yet another tool to attract new, large job creating businesses and help existing businesses grow.
Source: State of the State address to 2015 Virginia Legislature
Jan 14, 2015
Don Beyer:
Reduce carbon emissions with tax on carbon pollution
While serving as President Obama's Ambassador to Switzerland, I saw firsthand the glacial melt caused by global warming. Despite the urgency of this situation, there has been no successful congressional legislation to address the crisis of climate change
Frankly, it angers me that some Tea Party Republicans ignore science and the harm that climate change, and pollution in general, is causing to our planet and our health.
The most effective way of reducing carbon emissions is to put a tax on carbon pollution. Such a tax must include investments in clean energy and in energy efficiency, as well as protections for low-income households, who will otherwise
bear a disproportionate burden of a carbon tax. This is the single most important issue of our time, and we need to act now. We owe it to future generations.
Source: 2014 Virginia House campaign website, FriendsOfDonBeyer.com
Oct 10, 2014
Ed Gillespie:
Sea levels are rising, but it's debatable what causes it
Ed Gillespie said he thinks there is enough evidence to support climate change after being pressed on the issue during a debate with incumbent Sen. Mark Warner.Warner asked Gillespie about his views on global warming: "I'd love to take my opponent to
Norfolk where seas are rising so much that the Navy is spending tens of millions a year just to raise the barriers."
Gillespie dodged Warner's question at first, instead tying Warner to Obama's signature climate rule, which mandates states cut carbon
pollution from existing power plants 30% by 2030 from 2005 levels.
When pressed again, Gillespie said he thinks there is evidence to support it: "I believe there is ample scientific evidence that contributes to climate change but I'm not entirely
dismissive of those who have a different point of view. Norfolk is dealing with rising sea levels but people can debate what contributes to that." Still, Gillespie said he thinks the administration's new carbon pollution rules "go too far."
Source: The Hill weblog on 2014 Virginia Senate debate
Jul 26, 2014
Mark Warner:
All-of-the-above approach, including pro-coal
Warner asked Ed Gillespie about his views on global warming, and whether he sided with a majority of Republicans in Congress who remain skeptical of the science:" I'd love to take my opponent to Norfolk where seas are rising so much that the
Navy is spending tens of millions a year just to raise the barriers."Gillespie dodged Warner's question at first, but when pressed again on his climate change beliefs, Gillespie said he thinks there is evidence to support it.
Gillespie added, "Norfolk is dealing with rising sea levels but people can debate what contributes to that or not." Still, Gillespie said he thinks the administration's new carbon pollution rules "go too far."
Warner wasn't as quick to attack the new standards. Warner, a pro-coal Democrat, said he is for an all-of-the-above approach to energy, but thinks the U.S. needs to use cleaner sources to offset coal plants built in developing countries.
Source: The Hill weblog on 2014 Virginia Senate debate
Jul 26, 2014
Terry McAuliffe:
Co-founded GreenTech electric car company, in Mississippi
Cuccinelli has been especially critical of GreenTech, the electric car company that McAuliffe co-founded, because it considered placing a factory in Southside Virginia but chose to put it in Mississippi instead after getting a generous incentive
package from that state's government.McAuliffe said that he "would love to have put a plant in Virginia" but that companies have a "fiduciary" duty to investors.
"Okay, you picked Mississippi, so run for governor of Mississippi," Cuccinelli said.
Source: Washington Post on 2013 Virginia governor debates
Jul 21, 2013
Terry McAuliffe:
2012: Started GreenTech electric car company & soon resigned
Terry McAuliffe appeared with his good friend Bill Clinton at the ribbon-cutting for Mr. McAuliffe's electric car company in July 2012, the campaign-style event, complete with "Born in the U.S.A." blaring.McAuliffe resigned as GreenTech's chairman
last year but publicly acknowledged it only this month. Documents have surfaced questioning his explanation for why he located the plant in Mississippi, not Virginia, including memos from Virginia officials expressing "grave doubts" about his business
model and suggesting its financing was a "visa-for-sale scheme" for Chinese investors.
McAuliffe said the struggles of GreenTech--which once promised 1,500 jobs but today employs only 78 at its plant--are typical of any start-up in a tough
economy. "How many people start electric car companies?" he said in an interview. "How many do it in a recession?"
Ken Cuccinelli has seized on the GreenTech saga in an attempt to attack McAuliffe's chief asset as a candidate, his business acumen.
Source: New York Times on 2013 Virginia governor debates
Apr 26, 2013
Bob McDonnell:
Replace gas tax with sales and use tax
Replace gas tax with sales and use tax
Our plan will also eliminate Virginia's 17.5 cents per gallon tax on gasoline and replace it with a 0.8% increase in the sales and use tax- that will not tax gasoline. We will be the first state in the nation to eliminate the gas tax, which is projected
Replace gas tax with sales and use tax
We will maintain the tax on diesel fuel, 68% of which is consumed by out of state truckers. Trucks comprise 4.2% of the miles traveled, but cause nearly 80% of the maintenance needs.
Source: 2013 Virginia State of the State address
Jan 9, 2013
George Allen:
If you use electricity, you should vote for me
Allen said that people who use electricity should vote for him, claiming Kaine supports EPA policies that essentially make using coal for electricity not practical for businesses.
Kaine said he believes in the science he's seen, showing human activity's impact on climate. Kaine said he supported a measure to control carbon, and finding strategies to limit carbon's impact.
Allen attacked Kaine's use of a hybrid energy plant in Wise County in commercials, saying under current EPA regulations that plant couldn't be built today, due to its coal use.
Kaine countered that as long as new energy can be about "cleaner," that it would be good for Virginia and the country. Kaine also recommended cutting subsidies to "big oil companies."
Source: WSLS-TV-10 on 2012 Virginia Senate debate
Oct 18, 2012
Tim Kaine:
Cut subsidies to big oil companies
Allen said that people who use electricity should vote for him, claiming Kaine supports EPA policies that essentially make using coal for electricity not practical for businesses.
Kaine said he believes in the science he's seen, showing human activity's impact on climate. Kaine said he supported a measure to control carbon, and finding strategies to limit carbon's impact.
Allen attacked Kaine's use of a hybrid energy plant in Wise County in commercials, saying under current EPA regulations that plant couldn't be built today, due to its coal use.
Kaine countered that as long as new energy can be about "cleaner," that it would be good for Virginia and the country. Kaine also recommended cutting subsidies to "big oil companies."
Source: WSLS-TV-10 on 2012 Virginia Senate debate
Oct 18, 2012
George Allen:
Energy independence instead of cap-and-trade
Former Sen. George Allen stuck to a mostly positive message of economic growth, energy independence and individual freedom Allen did not pull punches when criticizing items like Obama's health care overhaul, the cap-and-trade energy proposal supported
by many Democrats, or "Washington liberals."Tea party activist Jamie Radtke lambasted Mr. Allen during the debate for his spending record in the U.S. Senate--as she has done since entering the race.
Source: Washington Times on 2012 Virginia GOP primary Senate debate
Apr 28, 2012
George Allen:
Use the blessings of our plentiful American energy
George Allen said, "This election is about the freedom to use the blessings of our plentiful American energy resources rather than having the regulators take them off limits."
The Republican primary is June 12th. The nominee will face former Governor Tim Kaine in the general election this November.
Source: WSET-TV Lynchburg on 2012 Virginia Senate debate
Apr 28, 2012
George Allen:
We are blessed to be #1 in energy resources: so use them
Cancun in a private jet. The folks who are hurt worst by these energy policies that cause us to pay higher prices for electricity, for gas and for food, are lower and middle-income families who are struggling to make ends meet.
Kaine generally pitched himself as in favor of more energy production, including an "all of the above" approach for alternative energy sources, and criticizing Allen for having opposed incentives for cleaner energies when he was in the Senate.
Kaine generally pitched himself as in favor of more energy production, including an "all of the above" approach for alternative energy sources, and criticizing Allen for having opposed incentives for cleaner energies when he was in the Senate.
Kaine gave a reply to Allen's many invocations of the federal government supposedly stopping energy production: "Do you know we are producing significantly more oil in this country now than when
Source: Eric Kleefeld reporting on 2012 Virginia Senate debate
Dec 7, 2011
Tim Kaine:
We are producing more energy than ever; find alternatives
George was a senator? We are producing significantly more natural gas in this country now than when George was a senator.
We are exporting more refined oil in this country now than when George was a senator. The notion that we have to unleash everything--hey, it's happening right now, and that's great."
Kaine said that the Bush tax cuts should expire for the highest income brackets. "These tax cuts were put in place in 2003--Allen was the deciding vote for them to be put in place," said Kaine. "They were put in place temporarily. And the reason they
were made temporary, is because if you made them permanent, they were going to absolutely bust the deficit. And that's exactly what has happened--along with voting for expansions of entitlement programs, voting for wars without figuring out how to fund
Source: Eric Kleefeld reporting on 2012 Virginia Senate debate
Dec 7, 2011
Robert Sarvis:
Humans cause climate change, but don't regulate CO2
Q: Do you support state regulation of greenhouse gas emissions?A: No.
Q: Do you believe that human activity is contributing to climate change?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support state funding for the development of alternative energy?
A: No.
Q: Do you support state funding for the development of traditional domestic energy sources (e.g. coal, natural gas, oil)?
A: No.
Q: Do you support providing financial incentives to farms that produce biofuel crops?
A: No.
Source: Virginia State Legislative 2011 PVS Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2011
Ken Cuccinelli:
Opposes tailpipe emission rules for CO2 reductions
Cuccinelli said on Jan. 17th, 2011 in a speech to Tea Party activists, that EPA tailpipe emissions rules, "if fully implemented with all the regulations that go with it, they will keep the temperature from rising nearly 5/100 of a degree Fahrenheit.
By 2050."Only 0.05 degrees by 2050? Is that really what the EPA was claiming these rules would do? The EPA's massive document on greenhouse gas emission standards, page 4-101, said: "EPA modeled the anticipated potential effect on climate change and
found that in year 2100, the rule would reduce temperature increases by 0.006-0.015 degrees Celsius," based on pushing fuel efficiency from 33.8 mpg up to 39.5 mpg.
Those Celsius figures translate to a range from 0.011 to 0.027 degrees Fahrenheit.
He actually erred in the agency's favor by overstating the size of projected reductions. He also missed the date, but again erred in the EPA's favor. Because his mistakes were minor and in the EPA's favor, we rate his claim as True.
Source: PolitiFact.com on 2013 Virginia governor debates
Jan 28, 2011
Ed Gillespie:
Democrats' energy policy is an attack on our quality of life
DaimlerChrysler paid more than $1 million to Gillespie's lobbying firm, Quinn-Gillespie, which lobbied heavily against any increase in fuel-efficiency standards for gas-guzzling light trucks and SUVs.
Gillespie declared, "The Democrats' approach to energy policy is an attack on our quality of life."
Source: Public Citizen Congress Watch on 2014 Virginia Senate race
Jun 1, 2003
Page last updated: Oct 14, 2021