Re “Environmentalists wary of tax bill“ (A1, June 4): This recent article highlighted that many environmental groups in Virginia are worried some clean energy projects may be at risk of losing important tax credits.
I agree that these tax credits are important. A true all-of-the-above approach that includes gas, nuclear, wind, solar and energy storage is essential to reducing consumer energy bills, creating American jobs, avoiding damaging power supply interruptions, and encouraging American innovation.
Electricity demand is expected to grow at an unprecedented rate in the coming decades. We need more energy and we need it quickly. Meeting this demand while maintaining affordability and reliability will require using our country’s full range of domestic energy sources, including ready-to-deploy clean power such as wind, solar and energy storage.
Existing technology neutral energy tax credits are driving investments in our nation’s economy while reducing costs for families and businesses. In Virginia by 2035, federal programs and energy tax credits are expected to create thousands of full-time jobs and promote billions of dollars in spending in Virginia.
As Congress considers tax reforms, I hope it will take a balanced approach that maintains incentives for all forms of domestic energy production and energy storage. This will best serve American families and businesses, as well as our national security interests.
Mark Ashley, Chesapeake
Ignored
I am constantly reminded of the lack of consideration given to my neighborhood by Hampton’s leadership and the police department. These reminders come in the form of speeding cars, motorcycles and illegal trucks. Passing through at twice the speed limit is routine.
Despite pleas to the city council and the Hampton Police Department to reduce traffic, every effort has been made by the city to expedite the speed and quantity of the traffic passing through my neighborhood. These efforts include expanding intersections to add more traffic lanes; and installing concrete barriers to prohibit residents from making left turns.
“Arterial” streets (designed to carry heavy traffic) are prohibited by city code in residential areas, with one exception being made for our street. This exception is to facilitate the rerouting of traffic away from the preferred neighborhoods.
Hampton’s leadership is only concerned for the connected citizens with the HPD basically serving as a security force for the elite neighborhoods. I very much appreciate our officers on the street, but they should be allowed to serve all of us.
Ashton Haywood, Hampton
Supporting Gwynn
I met Newport News Commonwealth’s Attorney Howard Gwynn working at the Warwick Restaurant. I waited on him numerous times. I remember him bringing his wife and two daughters. He is a great father and mentor to his daughters and our community. He is fair and honest on the cases he takes on. I remember calling him “Mr. Gwynn” and he said to me, “my father is Mr. Gwynn, you can call me Howard.” So that’s what I did.
He is a true fighter and works for us. He cares about us. I’m proud to be his friend. And with his years of being the commonwealth’s attorney, I believe in the saying “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it.”
Diana Call, Newport News
Backing Gwynn
My son is a retired Newport News police officer. Years ago, I can remember him telling me how Commonwealth’s Attorney Howard Gwynn fully supported the police department and was a pleasure to work with.
I am a resident of Hampton but I fully understand how crime travels from one jurisdiction to another. To this end, I believe Gwynn has reduced crime in Hampton and Newport News.
Peter J. Edgette, Hampton
About election letters
We will accept submissions about the June 17 primary election through 5 p.m. Wednesday and publish them, space permitting, through Friday.