Virginians for Offshore Wind Discusses the Offshore Wind Industry with Congresswoman Jen Kiggans
VAOSW had the pleasure of interviewing Congresswoman Kiggans about the offshore wind industry in Virginia and the future of energy in our region.
Read the full interview below:
Q1. The Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project is as much an economic development project as it is a clean energy project. What does it mean to you as someone who represents Virginia Beach and the Hampton Roads Region?
A. This project is a win-win for our region and the nation. Hampton Roads has long been a strategic hub for national defense, and now it’s becoming a hub for energy security as well. The partnership between Dominion Energy and the Navy at Naval Air Station Oceana is a perfect example: when federal funding couldn’t deliver needed upgrades, Dominion stepped in to make infrastructure improvements in exchange for using the land. That kind of public-private partnership strengthens our military bases, our local economy, and our energy future.
Q2. As a Navy veteran, how do you see offshore wind aligning with our national security and energy independence goals?
A: Energy security is national security. As a Navy veteran representing one of the most strategically important defense regions in the country, I know that a resilient, reliable power grid is essential not only for American families—but for our military bases and shipyards. Offshore wind, when developed responsibly, helps diversify our energy supply and reduce dependence on foreign adversaries. It adds critical capacity to the grid and strengthens the energy infrastructure that supports everything from aircraft carriers to advanced manufacturing. At the same time, it drives investment in our shipbuilding and port capabilities—sectors that are vital to both our economy and our defense readiness. This is about more than clean energy—it’s about strengthening the foundation of national defense.
Q3. Offshore wind is creating opportunities across the trades and technical careers. How can we ensure young people and veterans in Hampton Roads are first in line for these good-paying jobs?
A. This is exactly the kind of industry that can benefit both our economy and our veterans. Alongside Rep. Houlahan, we are about to introduce the Veterans Energy Transition (VET) Act, a bipartisan bill that connects veterans directly with employers in energy and advanced manufacturing. It expands access to training, certifications, and job placement—and helps cover costs like relocation and onboarding. We need to make sure that our workforce, especially veterans and students in Hampton Roads, has the certifications, training, and pathways they need to succeed in this growing field. These are good-paying jobs that strengthen both our economy and national energy security—and I want Virginia’s Second District at the front of the line.
Q4. Hampton Roads has a unique mix of infrastructure, talent, and geography. How can our region serve as a national model for responsible energy development?
A. We already are. Hampton Roads is uniquely positioned to lead in offshore wind. We have world-class shipyards, deepwater ports, technical expertise, and a defense industrial base that knows how to deliver on complex missions. When energy developers work hand-in-hand with the Navy and local stakeholders, we can develop this industry in a way that supports both our environmental goals and our national security.
Q5. You’ve spoken before about supporting an all-of-the-above energy strategy. How do you see offshore wind fitting into a balanced approach to meeting America’s future energy needs?
A. I believe in an all-of-the-above energy strategy because no single source can do it all. We need oil and gas, nuclear, renewables, and innovation. Offshore wind is an important part of that strategy, not just because it’s clean, but because it’s domestic, it creates jobs, and it can help relieve strain on the grid. When paired with other sources, it gives us a more secure and flexible energy system.
Q6. Is there anything else you’d like to share with constituents about why this project matters—for today and for future generations?
A: Offshore wind isn’t just about clean energy, it’s about building a resilient future for Hampton Roads. It means infrastructure upgrades, better-paying jobs, and stronger support for our military bases. I want to make sure this project benefits our community in the long term and becomes a model for how public-private partnerships can support both energy and national defense.
Q7. What are some of the key things you’re working on in Congress to strengthen America’s energy infrastructure—and how could those efforts benefit families and businesses in Hampton Roads?
A. One of my priorities in Congress is making sure energy policy is realistic, balanced, and works for the people I represent. That’s why I’ve advocated for a more responsible, phased approach to winding down clean energy tax credits, so we don’t disrupt ongoing projects or penalize working families and small businesses. I’ve also supported legislation to streamline federal permitting, expand domestic energy production, and invest in grid resilience. These aren’t partisan issues—they’re national priorities. For Hampton Roads, it means more energy jobs, lower costs, and greater economic security.
Q8. Can you provide some insight into what is happening in Congress or what you are working on to ensure that Virginia’s ports, shipyards, and infrastructure are ready to support offshore wind or other energy projects —and compete with other states for long-term investment?
A: We’re working to make sure Virginia stays ahead—and stays competitive. That means investing in infrastructure upgrades, expanding skilled-trade workforce programs, and securing the tools our ports and shipyards need to support the next generation of energy and maritime projects. I am working on legislation to strengthen our domestic industrial base by incentivizing American-made cranes through tax credits, and have co-led a bill which requires a full cybersecurity inspection before any new foreign crane can be deployed at a U.S. port. These pieces of legislation promote U.S.-based crane manufacturing, which is vital to projects like offshore wind that depend on heavy-lift capacity.
I’ve also supported dredging and harbor maintenance efforts in Congress, including pushing for robust Army Corps of Engineers funding to keep the Port of Virginia competitive for commercial shipping and energy development. Our deep-draft channels, modern shipyards, and strong industrial workforce are strategic assets—not just for Hampton Roads, but for the entire nation. Whether it’s replacing foreign cranes with U.S.-manufactured equipment, expanding our skilled labor pipeline, or upgrading port infrastructure, I’m committed to making sure Virginia leads the way in both energy deployment and national defense readiness.
Q9. Is there anything else that you’d like readers to know about the future of energy in our region?
A: The future of energy runs through Hampton Roads. Whether it’s building offshore wind turbines or maintaining Navy carriers, this region is central to both our energy and defense strategies. I’ll keep working to make sure we lead the way in innovation, resilience, and opportunity, for today’s workforce and for generations to come.
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