Maryland and Delaware join Virginia to develop offshore wind energy

The governors of Virginia, Maryland and Delaware have signed a memorandum of understanding to create a formal tri-state partnership for the development of offshore wind energy in the mid-Atlantic region.

"Virginia is particularly well-suited to explore offshore wind energy opportunities," Gov. Timothy M. Kaine said yesterday in announcing the agreement.

"In these tough economic times, it's more important than ever that we invest in renewable energy sources that will create jobs and provide cleaner, more afforable energy.

He said developing wind is consistent with the Virginia Energy Plan.

In a statement, the governor's office said the partnership will build on the region's significant wind resources.

The three states plan, through their memorandum of understanding, to focus on leveraging resources and information to bring offshore wind energy to the region, the statement said.

The first tasks under the memorandum of understanding are:

• to identify common transmission strategies for offshore wind energy development in the region;

• to discuss ways to encourage sustainable demand for wind; and

• to pursue federal policies to advance mid-Atlantic wind.

Delaware Gov. Jack Markell said his state already has paperwork in place to buy power if an offshore wind farm is developed.

In September, Kaine formally asked the federal government to form a task force with state and local governments to facilitate the process of leasing federal waters off Virginia for wind farms.

Contact David Ress at (804) 649-6051 or .