VA Dominion Power Line Proposal Meets Local Opposition

In the last few years since I have been here at Virginia Tech, an actual ‘power’ struggle has been developing back home in Fauquier County, VA , as well as other neighboring counties in Northern VA. Dominion Virginia Power, our major energy provider, is planning to remove a 115,000-volt line and replace it with a double-circuit 230,000-volt line. The power lines in place now are what are known as “Radial” lines and these are more vulnerable to power outages and weather damage. To prevent potential outages and meet the energy demand of these growing communities, Dominion says it must repair the lines before it is too late. Consequently, the line stretching from Loudoun County to Fauquier County and parts of Prince William County are indeed “radial”. The Loudoun-Middleburg Transmission Project proposal can be found here. It points out that the amount of energy currently running through the lines is greater than what the federally approved agreement is. The transmission would serve about 20,500 homes and still needs approval by the VA State Corporation Commission.

While this plan seeks to meet the areas energy needs, the land for the power towers is famous for its beauty and historic quality. For a map of the proposed location see here. Growing up in Fauquier County, I know and appreciate its beauty and importance more than most. The towers height would reach 110 feet and all surrounding trees that could potentially cause damage would be cut down. County residents including myself are worried not only of the eyesore through VA horse country and historical Civil War sites, but also the effect on wildlife. I do not believe that meeting the areas energy demand is a bad goal. I just think if we took more time in passing policy, maybe there could be a "greener" way of meeting the need, rather than increasing our dependence on coal.

The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) has been heading the opposition to Dominion's proposal. They say that the proposal offers more power than is necessary and will connect to one of the oldest and dirtiest coal fired plants in all of the United States. Famous actor and Fauquier resident, Robert Duvall has also opposed the plan and made many public appearances and statements. "I ask that we slow this down now, so that we can explore alternatives other than cutting a big ugly path through our countryside. Can you imagine a big ugly path with towers through the Grand Canyon, Glacier National Park, Yosemite, Yellowstone, the Tetons? No. This is the Piedmont. It shouldn't be here either," Duvall said.

- Caroline Simpson