[CPEO-MEF] ENERGY, ENCROACHMENT: Offshore exploration and Hampton Roads (VA)

[Lenny Siegel <lsiegel@cpeo.org>]

Offshore exploration would help, not hurt, Hampton Roads economy


Objection! A response to editorials published on June 22 [1] and June  
23 [2].
U.S. Sen. Mark Warner
U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine
U.S. Rep. Scott Rigell
Virginian-Pilot
June 27, 2013

The Pilot recently editorialized on efforts to develop coastal energy  
off Virginia's shores, including bipartisan legislation we've  
proposed in the House and Senate.

We'd like to address some of the concerns raised by this commentary.

First, no one wants to see another Base Closure and Realignment  
Commission (BRAC) affect any Hampton Roads installations, and we've  
received no indication from the Pentagon that expanding the energy  
industry in Virginia would put Hampton Roads, or any other area of  
Virginia, at additional risk. Further, Congress has clearly stated  
that a BRAC is not necessary, and no evidence has been provided to  
Congress to show why one is needed. Earlier this month, both the  
Senate and House Armed Services committees declined to authorize  
another BRAC round in the next fiscal year.

The truth is that military-related jobs in Virginia are at risk due  
to sequestration and a sluggish economy, not because we may soon  
develop our offshore energy resources. While federal defense dollars  
provide much of the foundation of the Hampton Roads economy, we're  
trying to create other industries that can keep our region  
competitive. We will continue to work closely with military partners  
to ensure that Hampton Roads remains the best place to move or grow a  
command or train for critical military capabilities.

...

For the entire column, as well as links to the original editorials, see
http://hamptonroads.com/2013/06/offshore-exploration-would-help-not- 
hurt-hampton-roads-economy

--

Lenny Siegel
Executive Director, Center for Public Environmental Oversight
a project of the Pacific Studies Center
278-A Hope St., Mountain View, CA 94041
Voice: 650/961-8918 or 650/969-1545
Fax: 650/961-8918
<lsiegel@cpeo.org>
http://www.cpeo.org

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