Valley Link opposition group now armed with poll results
A Jefferson County coalition opposing the proposed Valley Link transmission line says a poll found 70% of respondents oppose the project. The Charles Town Council is scheduled to consider a resolution opposing Valley Link and a proposed set of data center guardrails addressing water and power use, infrastructure, environmental impacts and other community concerns.
A volunteer coalition led by Jefferson County resident Dan McGinn says a poll of residents in counties affected by the proposed Valley Link transmission line found strong opposition to the project, with 70% opposed and only 8% expressing strong support. The group argues the 260-mile line would damage farms and historic properties while primarily serving Loudoun County, Virginia. Valley Link spokesperson Alex Weld said planners are reviewing public comments and expect to select a route in 2027 before seeking approval from state utility regulators in West Virginia, Virginia and Maryland.
The Charles Town Council’s Monday agenda includes a resolution opposing Valley Link and the MARL transmission project. Council members are also set to consider the final draft of a Good Neighbor Data Center Guardrails proposal developed by the Jefferson County Commission and local municipalities, covering issues including water and electricity use, transmission infrastructure, land use, noise, environmental impacts, emergency services and community benefits.