By Craig Blair
Printed in the Charleston Gazette-Mail
West Virginia’s economic future depends on reliable, affordable electricity.
That is no longer theoretical. It is now a governing principle shared by the White House, the Department of Energy, and several governors across the region, including Gov. Patrick Morrisey.
America needs more power. It needs it soon. And it needs policies that encourage new electricity generation, modern transmission and fair cost allocation without punishing residential ratepayers.
I met with Secretary of Energy Chris Wright several months ago to discuss these exact challenges. We talked candidly about data center growth, aging infrastructure and the widening gap between electricity demand and supply. This statement reflects those conversations. It recognizes reality instead of avoiding it.
This matters deeply to West Virginia. We produce energy. We export energy. We have the workforce, the land and the opportunity for advanced manufacturing, and other energy-intensive industries. None of that happens without a reliable electric grid and adequate generation.
Strengthening and modernizing our electric grid is supported by close to 6,000 West Virginians who have signed our petition in support of upgrading the grid.
In addition to the petition, new transmission in West Virginia has the support of the West Virginia Manufacturers Association; the Associated Builders and Contractors of Appalachia; the West Virginia Business and Industry Council; the Contractors Association of West Virginia; the Gas & Oil Association of West Virginia and more. They all see that our economic security depends on a strong energy transmission backbone.
West Virginia will gain significant advantages from a stronger, modern grid, including, more stable and affordable long-term energy prices, more reliable electricity for homes and businesses and increased capacity for new manufacturing and industrial development that mean jobs and opportunities.
Those jobs and opportunities cannot happen until we build the infrastructure to support an America First economy Without modern transmission lines, new generation cannot reach loadcenters. Without transmission, West Virginia’s energy cannot reach growing markets.
Without adequate and reliable transmission networks, manufacturers will not come to West Virginia and local businesses will be hard-pressed to expand. Transmission is not an abstract policy debate. It is economic development, job creation and tax revenue for communities across the state.
President Donald Trump has been clear about the need for energy dominance and grid reliability.
These principles align with that vision. They recognize that economic growth and energy reliability rise together, and that policy must support both.
West Virginia should welcome this investment. It positions our state to lead, not lag. The path forward is clear. Build generation. Build transmission. Allocate costs fairly. And keep America powered to lead.
Craig Blair is the former West Virginia Senate President and currently executive director of West Virginians for Affordable and Reliable Energy.
See more from the Charleston Gazette-Mail