Tell the scc:
PUT RESIDENTS FIRST AND STOP THE POWER LINES
CONTEXT
Northern Virginia’s power demand has been rising since its beginning investment in data centers in the 1990s. Loudoun County alone has more than 200 data centers, with more than 100 in the development pipeline. Depending on the type of data center, one of these structures can require up to 200 MW of power at any moment—equivalent to 50,000 residential homes.
According to a 2024 report by the Joint Legislative and Audit Review Committee (“JLARC”), power demand is expected to double over the next 10 years if left uncontrolled.
It is under this backdrop that Dominion Energy proposed the Golden to Mars Transmission Project in March 2025. This project includes both 500 kV and 230 kV transmission lines that stretch from Arcola to Sterling. Dominion Energy proposed multiple routes to be considered, some of which run beside schools and residential areas. A final route has not been determined.
The Golden to Mars Transmission Project can have a variety of impacts on the health and socioeconomic welfare of the community. The transmission line towers are expected to more than 150 feet tall (taller than a 12 story building), and could be less than 200 feet from residents’ homes.
In addition to a decline in property values, and environmental concerns, there are potential health risks from electromagnetic fields (“EMFs”). Power lines fall into the category of Extremely Low Frequency EMFs (“ELF-EMFs”). In 2002, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (“IARC”), a component of the World Health Organization (“WHO”), appointed an expert workgroup, which classified ELF-EMFs as “possibly carcinogenic to humans.”
current status
The Golden to Mars Transmission Project is currently in the process of receiving public comment and testimony. The State Corporation Commission (SCC) held two public hearings on September 18th and 29th at Rock Ridge High School. The project is still accepting public comments and public witness registration online until December 9th. There will be an additional public evidentiary hearing on December 15th, 2025. This hearing will be webcast and public witnesses will beable to testify by telephone. The final decision on the lines will likely not be declared until 2026.
what is delegate singh doing?
Delegate Singh as been fighting with the community here at home, and in Richmond.
He wrote legislation, HB2755, to create a pilot program to underground high-voltage transmission lines. This legislation passed the House of Delegates.
He has convened multiple stakeholder meetings with the State Corporation Commission (“SCC”) and Dominion Energy to push for undergrounding.
He wrote an official letter ot the SCC, signed by Senator Srinivasan and Delegate Martinez, that called for undergrounding. Here is coverage in Loudoun Now.
He has testified to the harmful impact of high-capacity transmisison lines being constructed in residential areas.
what can you do?
Make your voice heard!
Issue a public comment to the SCC by December 9th, 2025.
You can issue comment here.