Loudoun school board takes $6.5-mile power line dispute to Virginia Supreme Court
The school board and a local homeowners group challenged Dominion Energy's route on Tuesday, arguing the project fails to protect residents near schools.
By Samir Patterson ·
The Loudoun County School Board and the Loudoun Valley Estates Homeowners Association filed appeals on Tuesday to challenge a 6.5-mile transmission line project.
The filings move the legal dispute over the Golden to Mars transmission line to the Supreme Court of Virginia. Dominion Energy proposes the high-voltage route through eastern Loudoun County. The path crosses school properties and runs alongside a popular trail.
Petitioners contend the State Corporation Commission approved the overhead construction incorrectly. They argue Dominion failed to demonstrate the line is necessary for the grid. The groups also claim the chosen path does not avoid adverse impacts on residents living nearby.
Dominion Energy has repeatedly stated the project is required to maintain reliable service. The company asserts the line will meet Northern Virginia's growing electricity demand. The commission previously rejected a proposal to bury the lines underground.
Local officials joined the legal challenge this week. The route passes along paths children use to travel to school. Proponents of the overhead design cited cost and technical feasibility in their earlier support.
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