Protesters argue for wind, not oil

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - Environmental groups are using the oil spill in the gulf as leverage in their argument against drilling off Virginia's Coast.

This, after The U.S. Interior Department said Thursday it's indefinitely suspending the remaining public hearings on the proposed sale of oil and gas leases of Virginia while it focuses on the Gulf oil spill.

Friday, a group of protesters from the Sierra Club out of Richmond rallied around a mock oil spill they created at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.

Protesters argue Virginia should harness wind power instead of drilling for oil to meet our energy needs.

"What's happening in the Gulf of Mexico right now is a tragedy -- one that can not be repeated, especially in Virginia. A spill off our coast, like the spill in the gulf, would go all the way from Cape May to the Potomac. All of this for just six days worth of oil for our nation," said environmentalist Chelsea Harnish.

We'll have much more on this protest beginning tonight on WAVY News 10 at 5:30, including more on what environmentalists have to say and reaction from the governor's office in Richmond.