“Red Vests, Empty Promises, and Another Study: Welcome to Southwest Virginia’s Economic Development Circus”
Governor Glenn Youngkin and his GOP pals are back at it, doling out economic development projects and shiny new nuclear power plants to every corner of Virginia—except the one that needs it the most. Southwest Virginia, famously promised a cutting-edge SMR (small modular reactor) to jumpstart its economy, is instead being handed… drumroll, please… another study! That’s right, folks, because when it comes to paying the grocery bills in Wise County, nothing says progress like a feasibility report.
The Microreactor: A Bright Idea That’s Still a Doodle on a Napkin
The GO Virginia Region 1 Council has approved $100,000 for a study to explore the feasibility of a microreactor in Wise County, with another $50,000 in matching funds required. What’s a microreactor, you ask? It’s a compact nuclear generator producing up to 20 megawatts of energy—kind of like a nuclear power plant’s kid brother that still needs permission to stay up past 9 p.m. Oh, and none of these microreactors are operational in the U.S. yet, but don’t worry, they’re totally coming… in about seven years.
Meanwhile, Dominion Energy has plans for an SMR at its North Anna plant by the 2030s—because apparently, Virginia’s nuclear future doesn’t involve the coalfields it was supposed to revitalize.
Governor Youngkin: “Economic Development for Thee, But Not for SWVA”
While other regions of Virginia are cashing in on Youngkin’s promises, Southwest Virginia gets stuck holding the clipboard. Remember when the governor made a big show of prioritizing SMR deployment in Virginia’s coalfields? Yeah, about that. Early this year, the state decided other sites were better suited. Translation: We’ll call you later, maybe.
Instead, the big news for SWVA is a study—because apparently, feasibility studies are the new currency of economic growth. Can’t find work? Here’s a study! Can’t pay rent? Have a report! Don’t worry, it’s “exploring opportunities,” and who needs tangible results when you can have endless PowerPoint slides?
Promises, Promises: A Tale of Two Virginias
While Wise County dreams of microreactors that might materialize sometime after your grandkids graduate, other parts of Virginia are getting the real deal. North Anna’s SMR is full steam ahead, and Hampton Roads gets defense funding like it’s a weekly subscription. Meanwhile, Southwest Virginia gets vague reassurances that “future SMRs could be coming your way!” Sure, and pigs might fly into the coalfields, powered by all that hot air from Richmond.
Energy for Data Centers? What About Energy for People?
Local officials, like Wise County Administrator Mike Hatfield, are optimistic about microreactors attracting energy-intensive industries like data centers. Because nothing screams serving the community like powering giant buildings full of servers while residents struggle to pay their electric bills. Let’s be honest: data centers aren’t moving to Wise County out of charity—they’re moving there for cheap land, low taxes, and a population that’s too polite to complain about being left out of the economic boom.
Environmental Concerns: Can We Get a Study on Trust?
The Clinch Coalition raised concerns about transparency, noting that public trust is still recovering from past energy planning missteps. And by missteps, they mean vague promises followed by nothing tangible. It’s almost as if Southwest Virginians are growing tired of being told to “trust the process” while the process keeps skipping their region entirely.
The Bottom Line: Studies Don’t Pay the Bills
Southwest Virginia was promised innovation, jobs, and a brighter future. What it’s gotten so far is a never-ending cycle of studies, feasibility reports, and empty rhetoric. Governor Youngkin’s priorities are clear: economic development for everyone else, and participation trophies for SWVA.
But hey, let’s look on the bright side—when this study is finished, at least we’ll have another binder to put on the shelf next to all the other empty promises. And maybe, just maybe, someone will figure out how to turn feasibility studies into a renewable energy source. Until then, keep dreaming, Wise County. At least you’ve got potential.
–Mountain Bee Satire