Virginia Bill Seeks to Restrict High-Voltage Transmission Lines Near Residential Areas
Virginia's House Bill 1491 aims to limit the placement of high-voltage transmission lines, specifically those exceeding 136 kv, to a distance of at least 500 feet from schools, residential properties, and recreational areas. Sponsored by Del.
J.J. Singh and Del. John McAuliff, the bill is a response to community concerns over Dominion Energy's proposed 500 kv Golden to Mars line in Loudoun County, which would impact local neighborhoods.
Residents have expressed worries regarding health risks and declining property values due to the presence of transmission towers. The Loudoun County School Board has previously opposed the line's placement on school properties.
Dominion argues the line is necessary for reliability to support nearby data centers, but residents advocate for underground installation, which Dominion claims is too costly. The State Corporation Commission's decision on the transmission line route is pending, with HB 1491 set for committee review next week.
