Article
Senate panel approves bill on energy policy
Richmond Times-Dispatch|February 8, 2006
The Senate Commerce and Labor Committee yesterday approved 13-1 a bill to establish a comprehensive energy policy for Virginia.
The Senate Commerce and Labor Committee yesterday approved 13-1 a bill to establish a comprehensive energy policy for Virginia.
The move came after it rejected an amendment to prohibit drilling for natural gas on the Eastern Shore.
The amendment was proposed by Sen. Nick Rerras, R-Norfolk, who represents the two Eastern Shore counties.
Rerras was successful in attaching an amendment that would restrict drilling in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of the Eastern Shore and Virginia Beach. Rerras wanted a 40-mile ban; the committee approved a 30-mile ban. The chief sponsor, Sen. Frank W. Wagner, R-Virginia Beach, had wanted to restrict drilling within 10 miles of shore.
Because the bill contains tax breaks to encourage conservation and exploration, it was referred to the Senate Finance Committee to study its revenue impact.
The measure seeks to encourage wind …
The move came after it rejected an amendment to prohibit drilling for natural gas on the Eastern Shore.
The amendment was proposed by Sen. Nick Rerras, R-Norfolk, who represents the two Eastern Shore counties.
Rerras was successful in attaching an amendment that would restrict drilling in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of the Eastern Shore and Virginia Beach. Rerras wanted a 40-mile ban; the committee approved a 30-mile ban. The chief sponsor, Sen. Frank W. Wagner, R-Virginia Beach, had wanted to restrict drilling within 10 miles of shore.
Because the bill contains tax breaks to encourage conservation and exploration, it was referred to the Senate Finance Committee to study its revenue impact.
The measure seeks to encourage wind energy, higher gas mileage for cars, energy-efficient state buildings, solar energy, biodiesel fuel and nuclear energy.
Speaking briefly about the bill, Wagner said high energy prices this winter point to the need for a state energy policy. The administration of Gov. Timothy M. Kaine worked with Wagner in writing the bill.