Loudoun Supervisor Leads Opposition to Overhead Transmission Line

Loudoun County Supervisor Caleb Kershner has provided an update on ongoing discussions regarding the Valley North Transmission Line project proposed by Valley Link Transmission Company. Representatives from his office, along with Loudoun County staff including County Attorney Leo Rogers and officials from the Town of Lovettsville, recently met with the project team. The meeting focused on the company's proposed 765-kV transmission line through western Loudoun County.

The discussions highlighted Valley Link's reluctance to commit to undergrounding the line as requested by local officials and residents. Kershner has consistently advocated for underground installation to minimize impacts on the area. This approach aligns with broader efforts to protect rural landscapes and infrastructure in the Catoctin District.

Project Background and Local Concerns

The Valley North project involves a major greenfield transmission line that would traverse western Loudoun if approved by the Virginia State Corporation Commission. Local leaders have expressed strong reservations about overhead lines crossing historic areas, conservation easements, farms, agricultural lands, and parks. These features define the character of western Loudoun and support the local economy and quality of life.

Kershner has launched a petition to demonstrate community opposition and plans to share signatures with state, regional, and project decision-makers. Residents are encouraged to submit comments on the project map and provide supporting documents as they become available. Early and consistent public input remains a key component of the advocacy strategy.

Board Action and Next Steps

On September 15, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted a resolution introduced by Kershner and Chair Randall formally opposing the transmission line as proposed. The board continues to press Valley Link, PJM, and other stakeholders to pursue undergrounding as the preferred option. This unified stance reflects shared priorities across the county regarding infrastructure development.

Updated potential routes are expected to be published on the project website, with notifications mailed to affected property owners. A second round of public open houses is scheduled for November 4 through 19 to gather additional feedback. The current public comment period is anticipated to close in mid-December.

Upcoming Community Engagement

Loudoun's next open house is set for November 12 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Lovettsville Game Protective Association located at 16 South Berlin Pike in Lovettsville. This event offers residents another opportunity to engage directly with project details and voice concerns. County officials remain committed to ensuring community perspectives shape the outcome.

Kershner has described the recent meeting as part of continued progress in advocating for western Loudoun residents. The focus stays on achieving an underground solution that balances energy needs with preservation of local resources. Further updates will be shared as the process advances.

Loudoun County Board of Supervisors current members include Chair Phyllis Randall, Vice Chair Juli Briskman, and Supervisors Caleb Kershner (Catoctin), Tony Buffington (Blue Ridge), Sylvia Glass (Broad Run), Koran Saines (Sterling), and others serving at-large or in additional districts.

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Email the Loudoun County Board:
Phyllis Randall, Phyllis.Randall@loudoun.gov,
Mike Turner, Mike.Turner@loudoun.gov,
Juli Briskman, Juli.Briskman@loudoun.gov,
Sylvia Glass, Sylvia.Glass@loudoun.gov,
Caleb Kershner, caleb.kershner@loudoun.gov,
Matt Letourneau, Matt.Letourneau@loudoun.gov,
Kristen Umstattd, Kristen.Umstattd@loudoun.gov,
Laura TeKrony, Laura.TeKrony@loudoun.gov,
Koran Saines, Koran.Saines@loudoun.gov,

Loudoun County is a county in Northern Virginia. Its county seat is Leesburg.