Congressman asks NOAA for Northern Virginia data center transmission line permission
A congressman is questioning Dominion Energy's claim that a power line for data centers must go through Ashburn neighborhoods due to NOAA. NOAA reportedly told the congressman they were never asked about an alternative route on their property, contradicting Dominion's statement. This has led to ongoing debate and opposition from affected families.
Residents in an Ashburn, Loudoun County subdivision are facing the prospect of a nearly 200 ft power line cutting through their backyards, designed to power data centers. They were initially informed that no alternative route was feasible because a federal agency, NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), stood in the way.
However, a congressman representing the area, Suha Subrayam, investigated the claim and stated that NOAA informed him that no one from Dominion Energy had ever formally inquired about running the power line through their property. Subrayam expressed surprise, as he had expected NOAA to be an obstacle.
Dominion Energy disputes Subrayam's account, stating that the company had multiple discussions with NOAA dating back to 2023. According to Dominion, NOAA made it clear it did not want power lines built near its equipment, which is why Dominion claims it never filed a formal request to pursue that route. The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) has also indicated that it is only reviewing the already-approved route through the neighborhoods, as no formal study has been filed for an alternative, such as one through NOAA's property. The situation remains unresolved, with families seeking answers and the question of who is to blame still a major debate.