A group of U.S. Representatives, including Rob Wittman (VA-01), Jen Kiggans (VA-02), Nick LaLota (NY-01), Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), Mike Lawler (NY-17), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Rob Bresnahan (PA-08), Jeff Hurd (CO-03), and Don Bacon (NE-02), has sent a letter to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. The letter requests information regarding the administration’s decision to pause leases for offshore wind projects, specifically mentioning the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) Project.
Rep. Wittman stated, “Non-traditional energy projects like the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Project strengthen our national security and help meet rising demand for energy in Virginia. A balanced, all-of-the-above energy strategy is critical to lowering energy costs, creating jobs, and strengthening energy reliability. As the decision makes its way through the legal process, I will continue advocating for the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Project and look forward to continued engagement with the Administration to protect America’s national interests.”
The lawmakers are seeking details on how factors such as radar interference, environmental tradeoffs, long-term subsidy exposure, and workforce impact were considered in making the decision. They also want clarification on how national security, environmental, and fiscal concerns were weighed during the review.
Rob Wittman has represented Virginia’s 1st district in Congress since 2007 after replacing Jo Ann Davis. He previously served in the Virginia House of Delegates and on the Westmoreland County Board of Supervisors from 2006 to 2007. Wittman was born in Washington, D.C., in 1959 and currently resides in Montross. He graduated from Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1981.