Rep. John McGuire Hosts Secretary of Energy for Roundtable and Grant Announcement in the Fifth District

October 16, 2026 Press Release LYNCHBURG, VA— On Friday, Representative John McGuire (VA-05) hosted United States Secretary of Energy Chris Wright for a roundtable discussion and press conference for a grant announcement. The roundtable, hosted in coordination with the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance, and Appalachian Power, was centered around nuclear energy and powering the economy of the future. Following the event, the United States Department of Energy awarded a grant to the Commonwealth of Virginia, accepted by Appalachian Power, to provide crucial transmission line upgrades. The targeted federal investment will pave the way for supercharging Virginia’s energy grid, so the Commonwealth does not have to rely on other states to power the economy. “American energy dominance is crucial,” said Rep. John McGuire (VA-05). “ We must do everything we can to unleash the American energy industry, cut through the red tape, and become self-sufficient, instead of relying on other countries. This happens by opening up more refineries to distill the abundant crude oil being produced in America. I appreciated the opportunity to host Secretary of Energy Chris Wright for an important discussion with local energy companies on how we can work together to become energy dominant, while keeping costs low forconsumers. The best things in the world are made in America, and our energyshould be no different.” “President Trump is committed to doing everything possible to strengthen American energy security and lower costs for the American people,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. “By deploying Defense Production Act funding to secure and expand electricity access in Virginia and West Virginia, the Trump Administration is strengthening the nation’s energy security for decades to come.” “Meeting Virginia’s growing energy needs requires investment and innovation that advance affordability and help build a durable future with opportunity for all Virginians,” said Virginia Energy Director Vince Maiden . “Through SPARK, we will put advanced technologies to work on existing transmission lines to expand capacity, reduce energy losses and support the economic growth that creates good jobs across the Commonwealth. We appreciate our federal and utility partners for their commitment to this effort. Virginia Energy will help ensure these investments deliver measurable results and establish a model for upgrades elsewhere in Virginia.” “This funding allows us to strengthen the grid and expand capacity while making the most of the infrastructure already serving our communities,” said Brian Abraham, President and Chief Operating officer of Appalachian Power. “By working with the Commonwealth of Virginia and the DOE, we can improve reliability and help keep costs more affordable for our customers while supporting the region’s continued growth.”