The Future of Southern Energy: Making Choices for Your Community

by Donna Morris, Executive Vice President of the Hampton Roads Partnership

Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Forum co-sponsored by the Hampton Roads Partnership and the Hampton Roads Mayors and Chairs

When we think about energy, we often think about the negative – high gas prices, environmental challenges and national security issues. However, many communities are seeing that there are ways to capitalize on economic opportunities related to energy.

Jefferson Lab hosted a forum, moderated by Cathy Lewis, with community leaders representing area colleges and universities, energy companies, economic development organizations, and other regional stakeholder groups. The forum is an initiative of the Southern Growth Policies Board (SGPB), a regional public policy think tank representing 13 states. The forum will provide feedback to be used in the SGPB 2009 annual conference as well as a high profile policy report to be shared with Southern Governors and regional leaders called Southern Growth’s 2009 Report on the Future of the South.

The big question posed for group discussion was “What can communities do to capitalize on the economic opportunities associated with energy?” The following points made during discussion summarize the response:
• Hampton Roads has an opportunity and an obligation to tackle the issue.
• Hampton Roads’ research capability is a valuable asset, one that is largely under the public radar.
• Education of the general public is imperative.
• Partnering with the military provides us with an opportunity to be an international leader in developing alternative sources of energy.
• A comprehensive energy strategy must include ways to reduce consumption.
• Recognize that we are tackling long term solutions.
• Regulatory hurdles exist and must be addressed.
• The strategy needs to be private sector driven, with support of the public sector.

Next steps:
• Meeting notes will be shared with the SGPB for their report and annual conference.
• Regional organizations like the Hampton Roads Partnership, Hampton Roads Technology Council, Hampton Roads Research Partnership, Virginia Coastal Energy Research Consortium, etc. working together to develop a plan of action.