Fund established for alternative energy

The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission has set aside $100 million to fund research and the implementation of renewable, sustainable alternative fuels.

“The transfer of wealth out of this county’s got to stop,” Tobacco Commission Chairman Charles Hawkins said Tuesday. “This is an investment in our future.”

Hawkins said as federal funds become available for alternative energy projects, this money will be in place to be used as matching funds.

“It will be leverage for federal or other money,” he said. “It sends a message that we are serious.”

Hawkins said the money will be used for research, prototypes and the implementation of alternative fuel sources.

“Farmers need new sources of income,” he added. “We’re perfectly suited to raise crops that are a good alternative to gas.”

No grants have been awarded with this money yet, Hawkins said, noting a consultant will review any requests that come in.

“We are putting the fundamentals ... and the experts in place,” he said.

The earliest date for funding is April.

The former state senator said he envisions a series of small producers of alternate fuels for farmers, prototypes of “the best products for the least amount of money,” similar to a small, self-contained project already in place in Gretna.

Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell was quick to send out a new release praising the commission’s decision.

“I commend the wise decision by the Tobacco Commission, and especially the leadership of its Chairman, former Senator Charles R. Hawkins, in creating a $100 million fund for the research and development of alternative energy sources,” Howell said. “… Today’s action by the Tobacco Commission means Virginia is well positioned to become a national leader in developing alternative energy resources.”

• Contact Denice Thibodeau at or (434) 791-7985.