Energy and the environment are subjects that are very much on peoples’ minds these days — and with good reason. I believe we need to take a balanced but aggressive approach to our energy challenges. Such an approach has been sorely lacking in recent years, and is at the root cause of many of the problems we face today. I advocate investing in renewable energy alternatives like wind, tidal, solar, and geothermal. I also believe that we should promote research into carbon capture and sequestration, in order to balance production of Virginia’s fossil fuel resources — coal and natural gas — with environmental stewardship.

In addition, I strongly believe that we need to use energy more wisely. We need to provide energy efficiency incentives for homeowners and businesses. We need to encourage green building and smart growth. And we need to build a high-quality public transportation system, including high-speed rail – for both people and freight - linking all parts of Virginia.

I am convinced that we have the resources, talent, and passion to take on these challenges. We need to work together with Virginia’s world-class universities, engaging in R&D efforts and pilot programs to develop clean renewable energy sources and to take advantage of our Commonwealth’s abundant natural gas and coal reserves in an environmentally responsible manner. My diverse background within the energy sector, 20+ years and counting, gives me a unique opportunity to meld private and public sector perspectives into an integrated and holistic approach to addressing energy issues.

I believe that upgraded approaches in the energy arena can then be put to use directly in our state. They can also be exported to countries like China and India, which are likely to be heavily reliant on fossil fuels for years to come. I envision Virginia becoming a world’s leader in energy policy and best practices.

To me, this is not only an investment in clean energy technologies. It’s also an investment in Virginia’s future, because today’s R&D programs will help lay the foundation of tomorrow’s economy. I want to see Virginia become the nation’s leader for developing and implementing a best practices approach to a jointly balanced energy and environmental policy that works for all residents of the Commonwealth.