Scenic Loudoun Legal Defense
A 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non profit organization
Holding the Line in
Western Loudoun
Sweet Run State Park
Our Mission: To seek protection and justice in the defense and conservation of Western Loudoun’s homes, land, livelihoods, and historical legacy
Our Experience
Property Owners in the area around Mt. Gilead, Harmony Church Road, Canby Road, and Digges Valley in 2005 created Scenic Loudoun Legal Defense (SLLD) to challenge the proposed placement of the 230 kV transmission line between Leesburg and Hamilton through the open spaces, farms, vineyards, and private residences in our area. SLLD’s position was, and remains, that any new transmission lines should be placed in existing transmission line rights of way or along major transportation corridors, and NOT through new greenfield routes forced upon property owners. After almost three years of legal battles before the State Corporation Commission (SCC) and new state legislation, the line was finally placed along the Leesburg Bypass, with one section cutting along Dry Mill Road and then going underground along a couple miles of the W&OD Trail.
The New Threat
As of December 2023, we faced a larger, more complex 500 kV transmission line spanning four states that was slated to cut diagonally across western Loudoun County. PJM on 7 August 2024 changed the path to use existing rights of way; however, the project still must go through state regulators and could face implementation challenges with negative effects on adjacent communities. Also, this case could be escalated to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission under the new National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor (NIETC) process if the energy companies are not satisfied with the results of the state-level process. As a result, we will need to remain vigilant.
Our Approach
SLLD—a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization—has engaged legal counsel to represent our interests before the SCC as respondents regardless of the routes that might appear in the final applications. We learned in the previous case that these proposed routes can shift with little warning and thus must be followed closely with a voice in the court room to the final outcome.
Seeking Partners
With such a large and potentially expensive case in multiple states, we are seeking partners (wherever possible) but are mindful that we must do so with a common purpose that will survive the twists and turns of the case.
Our Values:
Conservation Land
Environment
Historical Legacy
Traditional Farming
Agri-Tourism
Equine Activities
Private Property
Public Recreation in Rural Loudoun
Site last updated 9 August 2024
Photo Credits:
Top Photo: Loudoun Transmission Line Alliance. All Others: Members of SLLD.