McDonnell ends VA role in wind coalition

Virginia no longer is a participant in the Governors' Wind Energy Coalition after Gov. Bob McDonnell withdrew from the group because it recently expressed support for a national renewable electricity standard.

McDonnell doesn't favor a mandatory standard, believing it "could increase energy prices for Virginia consumers."

In a March 29 letter, McDonnell wrote he is dismayed the coalition sent a letter recommending the electricity standard "without my approval, even though it included my name, as the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, implying that Virginia endorsed the contents of the letter."

The governors group has previously stated its support for a mandatory standard.

McDonnell informed the coalition he will continue to work to "advance the development of offshore wind" through his role with the Atlantic Offshore Wind Consortium.

But such assurances aren't satisfactory to Hampton Roads environmental blogger Eileen Levandoski, who wrote about McDonnell's decision here.

-- Julian Walker

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