Stafford supervisors unanimously oppose proposed Kraken/North Anna transmission alignments, ask Dominion for briefings

Stafford County's Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Dec. 2 to oppose alignments of Dominion Energy's proposed North Anna "Kraken Loop" transmission project and to step up engagement with the utility and state regulators.

Chair Deonte Diggs opened discussion of resolution R25-303, telling the board the measure was intended to "oppose alignments of the proposed Kraken Loop electric transmission project that would negatively impact Stafford County and request additional engagement from Dominion Energy." Supervisor Daryl English, who asked the item be pulled from consent so it would receive public attention, said the county needed to press Dominion to consider burying lines and to meet with the county. As English put it in debate, "sometimes it gets lost in the sauce when it's in the consent agenda. People don't realize it but it is a resolution from us recognizing that we need to bury that line."

Multiple board members and county staff discussed a two-letter approach: an immediate letter from the county to Dominion outlining concerns and asking for a formal briefing, and a separate letter to the State Corporation Commission (SCC) flagging community concerns and seeking stronger public engagement. Supervisor Vinooch and others urged that the SCC be copied or receive a separate letter because the SCC has the authority to approve above-ground transmission lines.

Residents who spoke during public comment urged the board to press Dominion for burial or reroutes and to demand more in-person engagement. Hartwood resident Kara Mathis told the board she is "here to express my concern regarding the Kraken Loop with the extra high voltage, 500 kV lines proposed to run through the residential corridor of Stafford County," citing potential impacts on wetlands, wildlife, and property. Another resident, Eliana York, referenced scientific caution, saying the International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified extremely low-frequency magnetic fields "as group 2B, or possibly carcinogenic to humans," and asked the board to push for a full environmental-impact statement.

After discussion the board voted to approve R25-303 and to authorize staff to send the draft letter to Dominion, to coordinate a copy/letter to the SCC, to request a Dominion briefing at a county meeting, and to monitor the project through the SEC process. The board also authorized hiring outside counsel and directed staff to prepare a briefing comparing the Loudoun County transmission fight and to bring follow-up recommendations back to the board. Supervisor English moved the resolution; the motion passed unanimously.

Next steps the board authorized include a public town hall for the three most-affected districts to be scheduled after the new year, additional legal review by outside counsel, and staff analyses of what the county can and cannot do under state law. The board said it would keep constituents informed as those actions proceed.