                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

 VIRGINIA OFFSHORE WIND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ESTABLISHED; PURPOSE (§
45.2-1804)

A. The Virginia Offshore Wind Development Authority is established as a
political subdivision of the Commonwealth.

B. The Authority is established for the purposes of facilitating, coordinating,
and supporting the development, either by the Authority or by other qualified
entities, of the offshore wind energy industry, offshore wind energy projects,
and associated supply chain vendors by (i) collecting relevant metocean and
environmental data; (ii) identifying existing state and regulatory or
administrative barriers to the development of the offshore wind energy industry;
(iii) working in cooperation with relevant local, state, and federal agencies to
upgrade port and other logistical facilities and sites to accommodate the
manufacturing and assembly of offshore wind energy project components and
vessels; and (iv) ensuring that the development of such projects is compatible
with other ocean uses and avian and marine resources, including both the
possible interference with and positive effects on naval facilities and
operations, NASA-Wallops Flight Facility operations, shipping lanes,
recreational and commercial fisheries, and avian and marine species and
habitats.

C. The Authority shall, in cooperation with the relevant state and federal
agencies as necessary, recommend ways to encourage and expedite the development
of the offshore wind energy industry. The Authority shall also consult with
research institutions, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and stakeholders as
the Authority deems appropriate.

D. The Authority shall have only those powers enumerated in this article.

HISTORY: 2010, cc. 507, 681, § 67-1201; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.