1 week Ago
In response to the March 6 editorial, “Clean energy credits are a win for Virginia. GOP lawmakers shouldn’t bail on them,” I want to echo that sentiment from a local perspective.As the mayor of Chesapeake, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact that strategic investments in energy infrastructure can have on our community’s economic landscape.
The recent decision by LS GreenLink USA to establish a $681 million high-voltage direct current (HVDC) submarine cable manufacturing facility in our city stands as a testament to this potential. This landmark project, the largest capital investment in Chesapeake’s history, is set to create more than 330 full-time jobs with average annual salaries of approximately $76,000. The significance of LS GreenLink’s investment extends beyond job creation.
By producing advanced subsea cables essential for offshore wind farms and renewable energy projects, this facility positions Chesapeake as a pivotal player in the burgeoning offshore wind industry. This not only diversifies our local economy but also integrates our region into a critical sector poised for substantial growth.Such economic milestones are not achieved in isolation.
They are the result of forward-thinking policies that create an environment conducive to investment and innovation. Federal energy tax credits, incentives and rebates have been instrumental in attracting projects such as LS GreenLink to our region. These incentives signal to businesses that our community is committed to fostering industries that promise both economic and environmental benefits.
I extend my gratitude to Congresswoman Jen Kiggans for her steadfast support in preserving these vital tax credits. Her advocacy underscores a pragmatic approach to energy policy — one that recognizes the importance of an all-of-the-above strategy to bolster American energy dominance. By championing policies that encourage domestic energy production and innovation, Kiggans is helping to secure a prosperous future for our region.
However, our progress stands at a critical juncture. The Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project, a 2.6-gigawatt initiative located off the coast of Virginia Beach, is currently 50% built and on track for completion by the end of 2026.
This project promises to power up to 660,000 homes and has already generated approximately 2,000 direct and indirect jobs, contributing $2 billion in economic activity. Abandoning the CVOW project at this stage would be a misstep with far-reaching consequences. Such an action would not only forfeit the substantial investments already made but also undermine the economic momentum we’ve cultivated.
It would send a discouraging message to potential investors about our region’s commitment to supporting large-scale energy projects.Energy policy need not be a partisan issue. Supporting the federal energy initiatives established through the Inflation Reduction Act aligns with core conservative values: promoting economic growth, ensuring national security through energy independence, and exercising fiscal responsibility by modernizing and investing in cost-effective energy solutions.
Embracing a diversified energy portfolio strengthens our economy and safeguards our nation’s energy future.Sign up for Viewpoints, an opinion newsletterIn Chesapeake, we are witnessing the tangible benefits of this public-private partnership approach. The LS GreenLink facility exemplifies how federal incentives for energy investments can revitalize local economies, create high-paying jobs, and position our region as a leader in a critical industry.
To continue this trajectory, it is imperative that we uphold policies that attract and sustain such investments.I urge my fellow policymakers, industry leaders and community members to recognize the strategic importance of projects such as CVOW and the role of federal energy tax credits in our economic development. By maintaining our commitment to these initiatives, we can ensure that Chesapeake, and the broader Hampton Roads region, remains at the forefront of energy innovation and economic prosperity.
Richard W. “Rick” West, Ed.D.
, has served as the mayor of Chesapeake since November 2017, following a decade on the City Council. A lifelong resident of Chesapeake, he holds degrees from Old Dominion University, the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech, and has more than 20 years of experience as a public-school administrator..
