Governor McDonnell Applauds Congressman Bob Goodlatte's "Virginia Access to Energy Act"

Press Release

Governor Bob McDonnell today praised Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-6th) for sponsoring the "Virginia Access to Energy Act" (H.R. 4942). The legislation, introduced yesterday, seeks to clear the way for Virginia's lease sale 220 in 2011 by removing regulatory obstacles that are threatening to delay the environmentally-safe exploration for and development of oil and natural gas 50 miles off of Virginia's coast. The "Virginia Access to Energy Act" was endorsed by members of the Virginia Delegation from both sides of the aisle-Rob Wittman (R-1st), Glenn Nye (D-2nd), J. Randy Forbes (R-4th), Tom Perriello (D-5th), Eric Cantor (R-7th), Rick Boucher (D-9th) and Frank Wolf (R-10th), have all signed on to be co-sponsors. In addition, both of Virginia's Senators, Mark Warner (D-VA) and Jim Webb (D-VA), are on record supporting offshore energy development. The President, in his State of the Union address, also expressed his support for greater domestic energy production.

Speaking about the "Virginia Access to Energy Act," Governor McDonnell remarked, "This effort, led by Congressman Goodlatte, is proof that taking steps towards energy independence, while generating needed revenue and creating jobs for Virginians is not a red issue or a blue issue. It's an issue of economic and national security and it's an issue that is a priority for this Administration and for Virginia's leaders in Congress.

With legislation passed by Virginia's General Assembly, and recently signed into law, Virginia has sent the message that we are ready to begin environmentally-responsible offshore energy exploration and development. The bill that lies before Congress now ensures that the necessary steps are taken so that Virginia is on the right path towards becoming the 'Energy Capital of the East Coast.' I thank this bipartisan group of legislators for their foresight and support of such a vital measure."

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