Congressman Subramanyam Writes to Commissioners of the SCC About Dominion Energy’s Proposed 500kV/230kV Golden to Mars Transmission Project

Washington D.C. – Today, Congressman Suhas Subramanyam wrote to the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) regarding Dominion Energy’s proposed 500kV/230kV Golden to Mars transmission project. The project, which would see the construction of new transmission lines to connect existing substations in the Ashburn area northwest of Dulles Airport, has raised significant concerns from local residents. The SCC is currently reviewing an application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for Golden to Mars, which would allow the project to move forward if approved. 

In the letter, Congressman Subramanyam outlined serious concerns about the project, including several proposed routes that would impact highly developed parts of the community, including residential, commercial, and school properties. He has heard from hundreds of constituents that are rightfully worried about the impact above-ground transmission lines could have on their neighborhoods, homes, and children’s safety. More specifically, he shared his concern that the above ground line may negatively impact two Loudoun County schools and residents living at Loudoun Valley Estates.

The Congressman went on to write,

“Representing Virginia’s 10th Congressional District, I recognize the importance of balancing increasing energy needs with environmental stewardship and community interests. Northern Virginia is home to some of the highest concentrations of data centers in the world… As our nation continues to lead the world in AI innovation a national plan should be developed to ensure data centers and the energy infrastructure needed to supply them are not harming our communities. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the SCC, and any regulatory body involved with the management of transmission lines should use every tool at its disposal to ensure any negative impacts related to transmission projects are mediated when possible.”

Congressman Subramanyam urged the commissioners to carefully consider other options and emphasized that the development of data centers and supporting infrastructure must be balanced with the well-being of the community. 

A full copy of the letter can be read here. 

Background: 

Since his time in the Virginia State House, Congressman Suhas Subramanyam has been advocating for greater transparency and protections for consumers with the growing prevalence of data centers and powerlines in Virginia. This year, he wrote to the National Park Service and encouraged them to consider all possible options when reviewing Dominion’s proposal to expand a power line in Manassas Battlefield National Park. The Congressman has also been pressing the Trump administration to release a report conducted by the Department of Energy regarding the impact of data centers on consumers’ utility bills.

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