Similar Videos
Currently No Video Available
New funding for the research and development of alternative energy in Virginia may be coming from an unexpected source: the industry.
Discussions about investment from Virginia's share of the master tobacco settlement proceeds in alternative fuel sources were held by the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission.
The proposal to use the monies to fund alternative fuel sources was brought to the table by commission chairman Charles R. Hawkins of Chatham and discussed by the 31-member body.
"Being able to develop a whole new network of fuel sources for this nation gives us an opportunity to do something that has not been done before and gives us an opportunity to create a whole new dynamic for our area," said Hawkins, a retired state senator.
Hawkins said he hopes citizens will become less dependent on foreign oil, and that this project will increase new ownership of regional resources, decreasing foreign energy control.
Despite major budget cuts facing the commonwealth, the tobacco commission still has a large amount of money to invest in alternative-energy sources and research into new technology.
"We're going to invest as much as $100 million on the energy idea," Hawkins said.
Hawkins also said there are some problems involving the research surrounding alternative energy in the commonwealth.
"No one knows who, exactly, is working on alternative-fuel sources," he said. "We need to find out exactly who they are."
According to Hawkins, the commission already has invested in several research components within its district for alternative fuel sources.
Sen. William Wampler, R-Bristol, said the public's growing awareness about alternative energy and the fluctuation of fuel prices might be behind the commission's decision to more broadly invest in research and technology
"When you look at the investments that the commission has made to date, whether it is carbon sequestration, clean coal, natural gas, wind, solar power, there is a tight frame," Wampler said. "I think it is more open ended now."
Secretary of Commerce and Trade Patrick O. Gottschalk said the commission has money for energy research and the research should happen locally.
"The research needs to be done in the tobacco region," Gottschalk said. "We're cultivating those professors and Ph.D.'s to come and do their research in the region."
Hawkins proposed a central distribution point where the fuel can be moved. He is optimistic about the possibility of alternative fuel.
"I think that if you look at what we've accomplished already, we have a real advantage at this point. " Hawkins said, "and we can seize an opportunity."
The author of this article is:
the-cheapest-cigarettes[dot]com
smoke-discount-cigarettes[dot]com
Next Paragraph..
EditorialToday Ideas for Marketing has 4 sub sections. Such as Branding & Identity, Marketing Strategies, Marketing & Communications and Trade Shows & Conferences. With over 20,000 authors and writers, we are a well known online resource and editorial services site in United Kingdom, Canada & America . Here, we cover all the major topics from self help guide to A Guide to Business, Guide to Finance, Ideas for Marketing, Legal Guide, Lettre De Motivation, Guide to Insurance, Guide to Health, Guide to Medical, Military Service, Guide to Women, Pet Guide, Politics and Policy , Guide to Technology, The Travel Guide, Information on Cars, Entertainment Guide, Family Guide to, Hobbies and Interests, Quality Home Improvement, Arts & Humanities and many more.