Iconic filmmaker Ken Burns, two local delegates join growing opposition to Valley Link power line
Renowned filmmaker Ken Burns has joined local delegates and county commissions in opposing the proposed Valley Link transmission line, citing historical and environmental concerns and the belief that West Virginians will bear costs for out-of-state data centers. The project, a joint venture of Transource, Dominion Energy, and FirstEnergy Transmission, is currently awaiting review by the West Virginia Public Service Commission. Opponents argue the line is primarily to serve data centers in Northern Virginia and would involve eminent domain and higher electricity rates for West Virginia residents.
Renowned documentary filmmaker Ken Burns has added his voice to the growing opposition against the proposed 260-mile Valley Link transmission line, which is planned to cut through West Virginia, including historic Jefferson County and the Shenandoah Valley. Burns, known for his American history documentaries, expressed grave concerns about the potential damage to sacred historical lands, farms, and homes, framing it as one of many "data center power line fights" across the country.
Closer to the project's route, West Virginia Delegates Carl "Robbie" Martin (representing District 65 in Upshur County) and Adam Burkhammer (whose district includes parts of Upshur and Lewis Counties) have also formally opposed the line. They argue that West Virginians would endure the costs—including higher electricity rates, lost land, and scarred landscapes—while the primary economic benefits flow to out-of-state interests, specifically data centers in Northern Virginia. Delegates Martin and Burkhammer urged the West Virginia Public Service Commission to reject any route not demonstrably benefiting West Virginia ratepayers and landowners.
The Valley Link project, a joint venture of Transource, Dominion Energy, and FirstEnergy Transmission, aims to construct a 765-kilovolt transmission line from Putnam County, West Virginia, to Frederick County, Maryland, with new substations. The companies contend the line is necessary to meet a projected doubling of regional electricity demand over the next decade, strengthen the grid, provide reliable power, and create local jobs. However, opponents, including residents, the Upshur County Commission, and State Senators Robbie Morris and Bill Hamilton, believe the project is solely designed to export power to Northern Virginia data centers, would consume over 6,300 acres of private land through eminent domain, and would increase West Virginia ratepayers' electricity bills.
The final decision on the project rests with the West Virginia Public Service Commission, which has not yet received the official filing for the project. Local officials have committed to notifying constituents once the filing occurs, enabling public comment and participation in hearings. Opposition efforts are ongoing, with delegates coordinating with local officials and landowners to strategically oppose the project.