Prince William Supervisors Defer Decision on Vint Hill Substation

The Prince William Board of County Supervisors voted 5-2 to impose a 90-day deferral on Dominion Energy's controversial Vint Hill gas-insulated switching station in Nokesville, Virginia. The decision, initiated by Brentsville Supervisor Tom Gordy, was prompted by concerns over insufficient information from Dominion representatives and the use of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) gas, a potent greenhouse gas, in the proposed facility.

The substation, planned for over 23 acres at 13405 Vint Hill Road, is intended to expand 500 kV and 230 kV infrastructure, replacing an existing station. Community opposition was robust, with residents and advocacy groups expressing dismay and a strong preference for denial. Lisa Cullen, co-founder of the Save Braemar Coalition, criticized the "out-of-control infrastructure built to serve corporate data centers," stating the community is "exhausted" by the prioritization of data centers over quality of life. Elena Schlossberg, executive director of the Coalition to Protect Prince William County, spoke against "digital industrialization," while Vida Carroll of the Civic Association of Brentsville and Surrounding Areas argued the project conflicts with the county's "rural, residential vibe" for the Vint Hill area. Mike Slayter, a Potomac District resident, called data centers a "giant parasite."

Supervisors, including Gordy and Gainesville District Supervisor George Stewart, pointed to alternatives to SF6 gas already in use by companies like NextEra, Hitachi, and General Electric. Despite the deferral, many residents left the meeting wanting an outright denial. Chair Deshundra Jefferson apologized to residents for their "fear and anxiety of living in limbo," acknowledging the need for the county's due diligence. The board's decision postpones a final vote on the special use permit until its September 22 meeting.