Virginia governor quits wind energy coalition

Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, a Republican, is removing his state from the Governor’s Wind Energy Coalition after the group sent a letter supporting a national renewable electricity mandate he opposes. Here's the termination letter.

McDonnell says he supports wind power, particularly off his state’s windy coasts, as part of an “all of the above” energy strategy. “I am concerned, however, that a mandated standard could increase energy prices for Virginia consumers,” McDonnell wrote to the executive director of the coalition, which now includes 28 governors as members.

McDonnell said the wind energy coalition's letter was sent without his approval.