NORFOLK, Va. — Governor Abigail Spanberger visited Norfolk State University on Wednesday as part of a regional tour, meeting with local lawmakers to sign legislation aimed at expanding clean energy and workforce development across Virginia.

The event spotlighted House Bill 67, introduced by Michael Feggans, along with Senate Bill 25. The measures focus on advancing development in the offshore wind industry, a growing sector in the Commonwealth.

Spanberger said the legislation is designed to strengthen workforce training pipelines and prepare Virginians for jobs tied to renewable energy.

Feggans emphasized the region’s strong connection to the military community, noting that many veterans already possess skills that translate directly into offshore wind and related industries.

“I know how important and how many veterans we have here in the Hampton Roads region that have the skill set to directly allow them to separate or retire from the military and have a great-paying job with skills that they already have,” Feggans said. “So it was important to continue to focus on this even though the bill was vetoed last year.”

Feggans added that organizers hope Norfolk State University will join the initiative as a historically Black college and university partner, providing training in professional or “soft” skills for prospective offshore wind workers.