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September 22, 2020 Background:  In June 2020, Virginia became the first in the nation to stand offshore wind (OSW) turbines in federal waters. This demonstration project tests OSW technologies and will provide valuable lessons translating to cost savings for projects up and down the Atlantic.  With its Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project, Virginia is also in line to be home to the nation’s largest OSW project - bringing 2,600 megawatts (MW) of clean energy by 2026, powering over 650,000 homes.  The landmark Virginia Clean Economy Act codifies the delivery of 5,200 MW of offshore wind by 2034. This sizable commitment to OSW helps position the Commonwealth as a major hub for America’s new and exciting frontier clean energy industry. Discussion:  Unlike fossil fuel projects and infrastructure, OSW does not come at the expense of health and the environment. Wind energy boasts a national record of avoiding 189 million tons of CO2 emissions since 2001. Offshore wind energy in Virginia will improve public health and wellness, and confront the climate crisis head-on.  Researchers estimate that a full build-out of the offshore wind industry can create over 14,000 jobs in Virginia. These are high-paying, local, career-length jobs that can employ high school and college graduates, job changers, returning citizens and veterans transitioning to the civilian workforce.  Coupling Virginia’s robust network of community colleges, trade schools, world- class universities, and labor apprenticeship programs, with investments in the state’s workforce development, OSW can provide job opportunities for a broad swath of Virginians including people in low-income communities.  A resolution from City Council indicates its support of the Offshore Wind Development, and the desire to bring these potential employment opportunities to the City of Portsmouth and its citizens. Financial Impact:  There are no financial impacts. Recommended Action:  Adoption of the Resolution. Next Steps Following Council Action:  A copy of the approved resolution will be forwarded to the Sierra Club Virginia Chapter. 1. Ann Creasy, 1217 Colonial Avenue, Norfolk, VA, commented in support of this item. 2. Elizabeth Husser, 26079 Shannon Mill Drive, Ruther Glen, VA, commented in support of this item. 3. Matthew Pack, 3506 Nelson Street, commented in support of this item. 4. Michele Nance, 52 Rivercrest Drive, commented in support of this item. 5. Carol Summerlyn, 909 Stanley Road, commented in support of this item. 6. Gerritt Smith, 5704 W. Norfolk Road, commented in support of this item. 7. Elizabeth Baker-Smith, 5704 W. Norfolk Road, commented in support of this item. 8. Kollen Mortimer, 201 Elmhurst Lane, commented in support of this item. 9. Carol Downing, 1725 A. Street, commented in support of this item. 10. Julie Dodd, 5777 Rivermill Circle, commented in support of this item. 11. Paul Danaher, 413 Dinwiddie Street, commented in support of this item.