ICYMI: U.S. Secretary of Energy Granholm Joins Spanberger in Central Virginia to Discuss Region’s Clean Energy Future, Importance of Infrastructure Investments

**Click Here for Photos from the Visits**

HENRICO, V.A. — IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Last week, U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger hosted U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer M. Granholm in Central Virginia to highlight the economic benefits of the bipartisan infrastructure legislation recently passed in the U.S. Senate, as well as to amplify ongoing, community-focused efforts to create clean energy jobs in the region.

Spanberger brought Secretary Granholm to the site of the GreenCity ecodistrict development in Henrico County, where they were joined by Henrico County leaders, GreenCity developers, and additional community members. During the visit, Spanberger and Secretary Granholm spoke about how projects like GreenCity can ensure Central Virginia becomes a national leader in clean energy, sustainable construction, and good-paying clean energy jobs.

Following the GreenCity visit, Spanberger and Secretary Granholm toured a training facility for the next generation of Virginia electrical workers with members from the IBEW Local 666, IBEW Local Union 50, and Richmond Electricians’ JATC. During the tour, Spanberger and Secretary Granholm heard directly from workers in the joint apprenticeship program about how they are preparing for the clean energy jobs on the future — including through electric vehicle (EV) charging station installations. Additionally, they heard directly from local workers about how the bipartisan infrastructure legislation — now with the U.S. House — can make significant investments in Central Virginia’s workforce, improve the resiliency of the Commonwealth’s electrical grid, and advance EV charging technology.

“To truly rebuild our communities in the wake of the pandemic, we need to recognize that we are in a unique moment of opportunity — one where we can focus on building back in a way that is resilient, stronger than before, creates good-paying jobs, and benefits Virginia’s businesses for the long run. That’s why I was so proud to bring U.S. Energy Secretary Granholm to Central Virginia last week to share with her the terrific, cutting-edge work happening right here in our communities,” said Spanberger. “Virginians understand that smart investments in clean energy keep our nation competitive, lower bills for consumers, and save businesses money while growing the economy and creating new jobs. I would like to thank Secretary Granholm for meeting with local leaders and workers to deliver that message, and I look forward to working with this administration as we pursue an economic agenda — including a bipartisan physical infrastructure bill — that is good for the long-term futures of our families, our businesses, and our Commonwealth.”

“From training the next generation of clean energy workers to boldly developing a net-zero energy eco-district, Central Virginia is showing the country that we can start building our clean energy future right now,” said Secretary Granholm. “Thanks to the investments in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal and President Biden’s Build Back Better agenda, Virginians will see the creation of thousands of good-paying clean energy jobs and reap the benefits of upgraded infrastructure that can tackle the climate crisis and ensure a resilient energy future.”

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which passed with a bipartisan majority of support in the U.S. Senate last week, would mark the largest long-term investment in physical infrastructure in nearly a century.

The legislation includes federal funding to build a network of EV chargers to facilitate long-distance travel, support domestic manufacturing jobs, and provide convenient charging options. Under the bill, Virginia would expect to receive approximately $106 million over five years to support the expansion of an EV charging network throughout the Commonwealth. Virginia will also have the opportunity to apply for the $2.5 billion in grant funding dedicated to EV charging in the bill.

 

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