West Virginians Against Transmission Injustice hosts MARL intervenor workshop at Cheat Lake VFD

West Virginians Against Transmission Injustice (WATI) recently hosted an intervenor workshop at the Cheat Lake Volunteer Fire Department, guiding over 50 residents on how to formally oppose the NextEra Energy MidAtlantic Resiliency Link (MARL) project. The grassroots organization aims to prevent the over 107-mile transmission line from moving forward, which is proposed to support data center development in Virginia and involves crossings in Maryland, with the West Virginia portion alone costing an estimated $482 million. WATI President Tony Campbell, along with State Delegates David McCormick, John Williams, Evan Hansen, and Monongalia County Commissioner Jeff Arnett, were present to engage with concerned residents. The MARL project, with a total projected cost of $1.1 billion, has met unanimous opposition from Morgantown area residents who attended the workshop. Citizens like Jen Anderson expressed concerns about increased utility rates affecting all West Virginians, regardless of direct property impact. Joshua Hosey, another Cheat Lake resident, voiced strong opposition to the transmission lines passing near his home, emphasizing his intent to become an intervenor. WATI reports that over 4,000 protest letters have already been submitted to the West Virginia Public Service Commission (PSC) regarding the MARL project, in addition to several dozen formal intervenor filings. Multiple county commissions also intend to or have already registered as intervening parties. With a June 1st deadline approaching for PSC filings, WATI plans further public outreach, including a second workshop in Preston County on April 12, anticipating a significant increase in intervenor registrations as residents receive official project notifications. Local leaders and residents across the state are united in their opposition, signaling a robust challenge to NextEra Energy's proposal.