April 28, 2009

Alexandria, VA - Democratic Lieutenant Governor candidate Jon Bowerbank today blasted Bill Bolling for releasing an energy plan that would exacerbate, rather than alleviate, Virginia's economic and energy crises.

"Bill Bolling's energy plan was not a plan at all, but rather read more like a history of the failed energy policies of the last eight years.  And given our current energy and economic crises, we cannot afford to repeat our mistakes of the past.  I have worked in the energy sector for 25 years, and I have the experience and expertise to know that drilling off Virginia's coast is not going to solve our energy problems. In fact, drilling off the coast of Virginia has the potential to damage our economy, a reckless risk in such uncertain economic times.  Unlike my primary opponents, I came out early and strongly against drilling off of Virginia's coast for exactly this reason. Let me be clear- there is not enough oil and natural gas in the area discussed off of Virginia's shore to be significantly commercially viable and under current federal law, not a dime of any revenue derived from these areas would go to the Commonwealth of Virginia. Bill Bolling is pushing an agenda to curry favors with national Republican leaders at the expense of Virginia taxpayers who would bear the weight of all potential economic, environmental and tourism losses from this "Drill Baby, Drill" philosophy.   Bill Bolling either doesn't know the facts or chooses to ignore them and walk lock step with his party, and I don't know which is worse.

We need to be investing in energy sources that lead Virginia into the future of the energy industry, including making current energy production cleaner and more efficient and investing in renewable and non-conventional energy sources.  It is this industry that will create good paying jobs for Virginians and help get our economy back on track.  This approach of creating jobs through fostering and growing the renewable and non-conventional energy sectors in Virginia is the foundation of my Jobs Plan, and as Lieutenant Governor I will be an advocate for this energy and economic strategy," Bowerbank said.