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Buckingham supervisors adopt resolution opposing ValleyLink transmission route after strong public turnout
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Summary
After extensive public comment raising concerns about health risks, property impacts and higher electric rates, the Buckingham County Board of Supervisors voted to adopt a resolution opposing the proposed ValleyLink 765 kV transmission line and directed steps to preserve the county's legal options before the Virginia State Corporation Commission.
The Buckingham County Board of Supervisors voted to adopt a resolution formally opposing the proposed ValleyLink 765‑kilovolt transmission line as routed through the county, supervisors said after a lengthy public comment period.
Muscaldo, who read the resolution on behalf of the board, summarized its core provisions: the county "expresses a strong opposition to a proposed ValleyLink 765 kV transmission line as routed or proposed to be routed through Buckingham County," reserves the right to intervene before the Virginia State Corporation Commission and requests briefings from ValleyLink LLC on route selection and alternatives. The resolution also calls for independent need and route analyses, consideration of underground placement in sensitive areas, environmental protections, and a community benefit agreement.
The vote followed more than an hour of public testimony from residents who said the project would provide little local benefit while imposing environmental, health and economic costs. Robert Fish (District 4) told the board a single large data center "can use as much electricity as a small town" and warned that regional market dynamics could push up power prices for local, fixed‑income residents. "The power bills are gonna go crazy if this thing gets developed," he said.
Other residents described possible direct property harms. Mona Banton (District 6) said alternative routes would run through local farms and watersheds and that some property owners had not been notified. "This will be a half a mile in front of our home," she said of nearby solar projects and added that the ValleyLink lines "are not even gonna benefit us at all." Ari Reinhart said the proposed corridor "would run within 10 feet" of a metal garage on his property and would effectively split his parcel in two.
Several commenters urged concrete next steps. Joseph Anthony asked the board to adopt a comprehensive data‑infrastructure policy and consider hiring outside counsel. Christine Elfstrom recommended filing a formal objection with the State Corporation Commission citing historic, environmental and agricultural impacts, appointing a county representative to monitor ValleyLink, and considering an advocacy fund similar to those established by neighboring counties; she suggested a funding level of $250,000 as a comparative example.
Health concerns were raised by Dan Schneider, a physician who said he is "not an expert on electromagnetic fields" but cited literature that, in his view, indicates possible increased risks for childhood leukemia and other conditions and offered his assistance to the county.
Board members acknowledged the public's concerns and discussed practical limits. A supervisor noted Dominion was invited to attend but declined; supervisors said they had met informally with other counties and planned to send copies of the resolution to state delegates, the governor and the congressional delegation. One board member warned that Buckingham has fewer financial resources than larger counties and that any legal effort would require appropriated funds.
The resolution directs the county clerk to transmit a certified copy to the governor of Virginia, the congressional delegation and the members of the General Assembly representing Buckingham County and to seek briefings from ValleyLink LLC. During the meeting the board indicated the motion carried with the supervisors in the room expressing support (speakers acknowledged six votes in favor).
