U.S. Representative Chuck Edwards announced on Mar. 17 that the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) will conduct a comprehensive analysis of an underwater route for the proposed Shooting Creek Transmission Project in Western North Carolina. The announcement follows feedback from residents whose homes are located within the project’s proposed path.
The issue is significant as expanding the electrical grid is necessary to meet growing demand and support economic growth in the region. However, many Clay County residents have expressed concerns about how the current transmission line routes could affect their properties and communities.
Edwards said, “Reliable domestic energy is not optional, but infrastructure expansion must be pursued responsibly. Property owners and established communities should not bear unnecessary disruption if reasonable alternatives exist.” He explained that a central question raised by residents was whether TVA had fully considered routing the line beneath Lake Chatuge to minimize property impacts. While TVA previously cited recreational concerns and construction challenges as reasons for not considering a submerged route, Edwards stated, “That explanation did not reassure many residents. When communities are asked to shoulder the burden of major infrastructure projects, they deserve transparency about how alternatives are studied, weighed, and ultimately evaluated.”
In response to these concerns, Edwards authored a letter to TVA leadership requesting a thorough evaluation of an underwater route. He reported that TVA has agreed to analyze this option, including costs, technical challenges, environmental impacts, schedule considerations for Blue Ridge Mountain EMC’s reliability needs, effects on recreation and public use of Lake Chatuge, and implications for nearby property owners.
Edwards also met with TVA officials to stress the importance of public input in decision-making. At his urging, TVA reopened the public comment period after some residents said they were not given enough notice during the initial period in December. “Energy security and community integrity are not competing priorities,” Edwards said. “We can modernize our grid while safeguarding the property rights and quality of life of Clay County families. That requires transparency, accountability, and a rigorous evaluation of all viable options.” He concluded by pledging continued advocacy for these standards.
Edwards has represented North Carolina’s 11th district in Congress since 2023 after replacing Madison Cawthorn according to Wikipedia. He previously served in both chambers of North Carolina’s legislature from 2016 through 2023 as reported by Wikipedia. In recent elections he defeated Jasmine Beach-Ferrara in 2022 with 53.8% of votes and Caleb Rudow in 2024 with 56.8% according to Ballotpedia. Edwards was born in Waynesville in 1960 and currently lives in Flat Rock as noted by Wikipedia.
