In January 2024, representatives from Loudoun nonprofit organizations, community and neighborhood associations, business organizations and other interested parties gathered at the Old School in Waterford, Virginia to coordinate efforts to oppose the proposed greenfield transmission lines of the Mid-Atlantic Resiliency Link contract awarded to NextEra Energy by PJM Interconnection. Instead, the Alliance believes that all transmission lines should be built in existing power corridors The members of the alliance developed and agreed to the following Declaration to clarify their common purpose (link to PDF Version)–
Declaration by the Loudoun Transmission Line Alliance on the NextEra MARL Proposal:
We, the undersigned stakeholders, representing business, preservation, agricultural, environmental, and community organizations in Loudoun County, Virginia, call upon NextEra Energy to avoid building a new power corridor through rural Loudoun County, in view of the negative impact of such construction on the agricultural community, local economy, heritage and natural resources, and residents of the region.
We strenuously oppose construction of new “greenfield” lines in rural areas of the County. All new transmission lines should be located within existing power corridors – which we understand would be acceptable to PJM.
- We also request that NextEra utilize existing rights of way and alternative methods, such as advanced conductors and the use of underground lines in highly populated areas, in order to meet the power needs of Loudoun’s data center industry.
As currently configured, the proposed route will cause major collateral damage to existing local businesses, notably in the agricultural and tourism sectors, as well as to residential valuations. Power corridors must be sited to minimize the impact on existing businesses, including those dependent on intact open landscapes.
- Loudoun County remains a thriving agricultural region, with 1,332 farms accounting for $50 million in sales in 2022 alone. Moreover, Loudoun’s thriving equine industry has an annual economic impact of $180 million.
- The proposed lines also threaten Loudoun’s $4 billion tourism industry, including $400+ million in agritourism alone. Surveys show that the County’s landscapes, farms, wineries, breweries, and historic sites are a major draw for visitors.
- NextEra must account for its damage to these vital sectors of the economy.
Historic and environmental sites, including landscapes, define the distinctive heritage of Loudoun County. In no instance should power corridors transit through or near National Historic Landmarks, historic districts, and other properties under conservation or preservation easements.
- Loudoun boasts six National Historic Landmarks, seven county historic districts, and 4,426 easements that safeguard important environmental and historic sites.
- Conservation and historic preservation easements are legal deed restrictions that in Loudoun, are very site-specific and hence cannot be exchanged for uneased property. Easement holders will vigorously defend these protections as any plan ignoring these protections will undermine the sanctity of easements state-wide.
- A noteworthy example of local, state, and federal historic and environmental protections at risk is the Waterford National Historic Landmark. Waterford’s 1,420 acres are a rare instance of a fully intact 19th century community with scores of protected historic properties, agricultural land, natural habitats, and open spaces.
- New transmission corridors in rural Loudoun would directly threaten a number of eased sites, as well as prime farmland, waterways, habitats, open spaces, and historic properties.
For NextEra, this is a commercial decision, but for Loudoun it’s existential. We call for no new power corridors in rural Loudoun!
See who all have signed the Declaration here! This Declaration is a living document, and signers are consistently updated. Please consider signing on to support our stance!
Who do I contact in the Loudoun Transmission Line Alliance?
Our communications and outreach team can be reached out transmissionlines@waterfordfoundation.org. You can also find them during Foundation office hours from 10am-2pm Tuesday-Friday at 40222 Fairfax Street, Waterford VA 20197, around the county during travelling office hours, or available for appointments.
Abigail Zurfluh- Communications Chair
Abigail is also the Historic Preservation Director for the Waterford Foundation. She has been involved with the Alliance since the beginning meetings at the Waterford Old School. She has a degree in historic preservation and geography from the University of Mary Washington. In her free time, she loves to explore all of what Loudoun County has to offer, playing games (especially board games, card games, or trivia) with friends and family, and line dancing. Her favorite part about Rural Loudoun is the balance of the built and natural environments achieved through historic preservation and environmental conservation.
Alexander Newton- Field Operations Director
Alex joined the communication and outreach team as the Field Operations Director in June 2024. After graduating with a Master’s Degree in History Education from Virginia Tech, he moved back to Loudoun and started teaching at John Champe High School. In his free time, Alex enjoys visiting local businesses, painting miniatures, reading historical nonfiction, and wildlife photography. His favorite part of Rural Loudoun is the local community he is a part of. He loves participating in local events like Oktoberfest in Lovettsville and the Waterford Fair.
