Proposed Power Lines Debated at Environmental Law Symposium

Environmental advocates spoke out against towering power lines they hope wonGuv,!v,,ut become the new symbol of rapid development in Northern Virginia, during the Virginia Environmental Law JournalGuv,!v,,us Fall Symposium Nov. 2. The proposed Mid-Atlantic National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designated by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has stirred up controversy in the heart of the fastest-growing region in Virginia, where part of the corridor will be located.

Northern Virginia is located in what the DOE considers a critical congestion area, which runs from the Washington, D.C., area to New York City. The DOE has the authority to designate land for these corridors, allowing utility companies to potentially acquire protected land to use for their transmission facilities. Experts representing a variety of views convened at the symposium to debate the issues that arise from building more high-voltage power lines in the state.

For more on the story, read Emily Williams report on the U.Va Law School news site.