Orange County Supervisors have adopted four resolutions in opposition to the high-voltage transmission line project threatening the area.
The Joshua Falls-Yeat Transmission Line Project is one of three proposed by joint venture Valley Link and approved by regional transmission organization PJM Interconnection. It would build approximately 115 miles of 765kV transmission lines from Campbell County to Culpeper County with preliminary routes crossing up to nine localities, including Orange County. At 765kV, the transmission lines are the highest voltage, highest capacity transmission line type available in the country and would include structures between 135 and 160 feet tall requiring approximately 200 feet of right-of-way. Valley Link representatives have said the project is needed to solve grid reliability issues amid unprecedented growth in the demand for energy. The project would allow power being generated in the Ohio River Valley to be accessed in Northern Virginia, which, according to the Northern Virginia Regional Commission, has the highest concentration of data centers in the world.
Last month, supervisors held a joint meeting with planning commissioners during which Valley Link representatives shared information about the project and answered a host of questions. Approximately 70 residents then shared their opinions on the matter. Those opinions, as well as written feedback and answers to questions submitted to Valley Link, formed the basis for the four resolutions that were adopted Tuesday.
The first opposes the project, affirming the planning commission’s recent determination that it is inconsistent with the county’s comprehensive plan. The commission has drafted a seven-page letter to Valley Link representatives, asking five questions pertaining to how the project relates to items in the comprehensive plan.
The second resolution approves a collaboration between the supervisors and school board members to create a joint letter opposing the project. The two boards are particularly concerned about the health impacts high-voltage transmission lines could have on students and staff.
“There’s all kinds of information out there; there’s no question this kind of transmission line has negative impacts especially to children,” District 5 Supervisor and board chair Bryan Nicol said. “We need to look at every study out there to make sure we protect our school-aged children, teachers and staff.”
The third resolution requests that state representatives including Senator Bryce Reeves and delegates Phillip Scott and Karen Hamilton join with the county in writing a letter opposing the transmission project.
The fourth resolution advocates for continued collaboration with the other eight counties impacted by the project. A closed door summit was held earlier this month in Louisa County bringing together leaders from eight of the nine impacted counties. Campbell County, where the transmission line originates, did not attend.
“It’s important for us to communicate, collaborate and cooperate together for the betterment of our citizens to make sure that the right approach for this transmission line is taken,” Nicol said.
District 1 Supervisor Jason Capelle suggested caution when working with the other counties. As an example, he said, Louisa has asked for a more direct route, which while good for them, may not be good for Orange County.
District 2 Supervisor Ed Van Hoven said collaborating between the counties is helpful, especially for sharing information.
The resolutions were adopted 5-0. Meanwhile, the planning commission will continue working to strengthen the county’s comprehensive plan.
“They are five smart individuals that help Orange County and we want them to continue their work,” Nicol said.
For more information regarding the Joshua Falls-Yeat Transmission Line Project, visit https://vltransmission.com/joshua-falls-to-yeat/.
