SEWC Statement: Virginia Passes Bill to Advance Offshore Wind Workforce Development
For Immediate Release: April 10, 2026
Media Contact: hollye@sewind.org
Raleigh, N.C. - Yesterday, Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger signed HB67 into law, which will advance Virginia’s investments in offshore wind workforce development. Sponsored by Delegate Michael Feggans, the bill requires the Virginia Department of Energy to evaluate and identify training and educational resources needed to support the offshore wind industry. The bill includes specific measures to align workforce development efforts with the specific demands of the sector, including technical skills and safety requirements. This legislative effort is intended to ensure that Virginia is prepared to meet the labour needs associated with offshore wind development.
SEWC’s Senior Program Manager for the Central Atlantic, Karly Brownfield, released the following statement: “Virginia is already a national leader in offshore wind, and the passage of HB67 is proof that offshore wind is still charting a path forward. The leadership demonstrated by Governor Spanberger and the Virginia General Assembly is a testament to the important role state-level voices can play to ensure the industry continues delivering thousands of jobs, billions in investments, and benefits to communities across the region for decades to come.”
The legislation was introduced during the 2026 session of the Virginia General Assembly. According to the Oceantic Network, offshore wind has already brought 1,100 direct and indirect annual jobs, nearly $1.8 billion in direct investments, and over 220 major supply chain contracts to the Commonwealth of Virginia.
About SEWC
The Southeastern Wind Coalition is a 501(c)(3), nonpartisan organization that works to advance the land-based and offshore wind industry in the Southeast. We focus on providing fact-based information on the economic and environmental opportunities of wind energy, and encourage solutions that result in net economic benefits to residents and ratepayers. For more information about the Southeastern Wind Coalition, visit www.sewind.org
