Sen. Warner, who has long advocated an “all-of-the-above,” portfolio approach to alternative energy, applauded today’s big announcement on major offshore wind initiatives.

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and Energy Secretary Steven Chu made the announcement in Norfolk today, including new funding opportunities for up to $50.5 million for projects that support offshore wind energy deployment.

As part of the “Smart from the Start” approach, the federal government will accelerate the preliminary review of potential offshore wind sites along Virginia’s coast.

“We’ve got jobs that need to be done and people who want to do them,” Senator Warner said. “This region could help play a key role in America’s efforts to catch-up with the rest of the world in harnessing clean, safe 21^st century fuels that will never run out, such as the wind and the sun.”