Monongalia County Commission unanimously opposes Mid Atlantic Resiliency Link transmission proposal

MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Commission on July 30 voted to oppose the Mid Atlantic Resiliency Link (MARL), a proposed 500‑kilovolt transmission line project by NextEra Energy Transmission that would run across parts of West Virginia to Maryland and Pennsylvania.

The commission adopted a formal resolution opposing construction of the overhead 500 kV transmission lines within Monongalia County and calling on elected officials and the West Virginia Public Service Commission to reject the project when it is considered. The motion to approve the resolution was moved and seconded and carried with the commissioners voting in favor.

The resolution says the MARL project would turn Monongalia County into a transmission corridor that mainly serves out‑of‑state energy demand — particularly from data centers — without providing “meaningful local benefit.” The text says the proposed route would harm landowners, farms, forests and scenic resources and would reduce property values while placing project costs on regional utility ratepayers.

Why it matters: Commissioners and several residents said the county already exports a substantial share of regional electricity and that local communities would shoulder environmental and economic burdens without commensurate gains. The commission also agreed to work with the Hampshire County Commission, which asked other counties to join a regional opposition effort, and to investigate formal intervention at the West Virginia Public Service Commission so the county can be admitted as an affected party in any PSC proceeding.

Delegate David McCormick, who addressed the commission during the public‑comment period, told the board he supported the county’s opposition. He told commissioners the issue affects property values and local ratepayers and urged coordinated action by local officials.

Commission discussion cited outreach from NextEra and public meetings the company held locally. One commissioner summarized the position this way: “Everything that they are saying in regards to electricity needs is true. We just don't see a benefit to them running this line across our state, across our beautiful county and not providing us any benefit.” The commission also noted a public meeting on Aug. 5 at University High School beginning at 6:30 p.m. for residents seeking more information.

Action taken and next steps: The resolution passed and commissioners directed staff to respond to Hampshire County about joint efforts. Commissioners said they would consider filing to intervene at the Public Service Commission to secure a formal seat at any hearings, which would allow the county to receive filings, present evidence and cross‑examine witnesses as the PSC process proceeds.

Discussion versus formal action: The record shows both public comment and a formal, unanimous vote adopting the resolution. The commission’s pledge to explore intervention at the PSC and to coordinate with neighboring counties was recorded as direction to staff rather than an immediate legal filing.

Public meetings and materials: Commissioners urged residents to attend the Aug. 5 information meeting and to monitor PSC filings as the matter proceeds. The commission’s resolution notes the project’s purported purpose — transporting power to serve demand outside West Virginia — and frames that as the reason for opposition.

Ending note: The commission said it will continue to track MARL filings at the West Virginia Public Service Commission and coordinate with other counties and state representatives as the case moves forward.