Ricky Junquera - ricky.junquera@sierraclub.org - (617)599-7048
VIRGINIA - The State Corporation Commission (Commission) today approved Dominion’s application for the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project - a project involving 176 wind turbines off the coast of Virginia Beach which will power over 650,000 homes and businesses starting in 2026.
The Sierra Club intervened in the case to ensure Dominion's compliance with the Virginia Clean Economy Act requirement for an economic development plan addressing equitable hiring practices for CVOW. As a result of the Sierra Club’s intervention, Dominion agreed to several provisions ensuring that the clean energy from CVOW be supplied in a way that is equitable and beneficial to all Virginians. More specifically, Dominion is now pledged to increase its diverse workforce representation with a goal of reaching at least 40% diverse workforce representation by the end of 2026.
In response, Eileen Woll, Offshore Energy Program Director, Sierra Club Virginia Chapter released the following statement:
“CVOW represents a number of firsts. It will be the largest wind farm in the U.S., it will be the first utility-owned facility in the nation, and most importantly, it will be the first project with diversity hiring requirements. The project not only provides over 2600 megawatts of clean energy - enough to power over 650,000 homes - but its industry is a huge jobs generator. These are wealth-building jobs that can lift many Virginians from poverty. And with this approval, the Commission ensures that not only does Dominion build CVOW and contributes to the OSW industry in Virginia, but it also does so in a way that is fair and equitable for the Hampton Roads community that has been disproportionately impacted by climate change.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.