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2011 SESSION

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SB 814 Offshore energy resources; State to support oil and natural gas exploration, etc., exception.

Introduced by: A. Donald McEachin | all patrons    ...    notes | add to my profiles

SUMMARY AS INTRODUCED:

Offshore energy resources.  States that it shall be the policy of the Commonwealth to support oil and natural gas exploration, development, and production 75 miles or more off Virginia's coast, subject to the condition that such activities not be permitted if they would adversely affect the natural resources of the Chesapeake Bay, including its fish, wildlife, and aquatic resources and the habitat and ecological functions upon which they depend. Currently, the Commonwealth's policy is to support these activities 50 miles or more off Virginia's coast. The measure also provides that it is the Commonwealth's policy to permit the siting and development of commercial-scale offshore wind installations, and states that in adopting these policies the Commonwealth is cognizant of the risks evidenced by the Deepwater Horizon explosion. Finally, the measure deletes the statement that the policy of the Commonwealth shall support the inclusion of the Atlantic Planning Areas in the Mineral Management Service's draft environmental impact statement with respect to offshore oil and natural gas exploration.


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