Indian-origin Virginia lawmakers urge review of Loudoun transmission line plan

The lawmakers say residents face health, safety, and property risks from above-ground power lines.

Delegate JJ Singh and Senator Kannan Srinivasan. / X

Delegate JJ Singh and Senator Kannan Srinivasan, both of Indian origin, along with Delegate Marty Martinez, have urged the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) to reconsider the proposed Golden to Mars (GTM) transmission lines project in Loudoun County, Virginia.

In a letter to the SCC, the lawmakers expressed concern that the project, in its current form, would disproportionately affect Loudoun residents by routing high-voltage lines through residential areas along Loudoun County Parkway and nearby neighborhoods. They highlighted risks related to health, property values, noise, and environmental impact, and called for transparent, data-backed responses to community concerns.

“We need to put our residents first. That means pursuing undergrounding, and all other options to minimize the burden on our communities,” Singh said.

Srinivasan added that he was worried about the long-term effects of above-ground lines. “I’m deeply concerned that any above-ground route jeopardizes Loudoun families’ health, safety, and property values,” he said. “By prioritizing undergrounding, we can protect both our schools and our communities, and I remain committed to working with all stakeholders to achieve a solution that truly puts Loudoun residents first.”

Martinez echoed these concerns, stating, “I will continue to stand with Loudoun families to ensure their concerns are taken seriously and that the State Corporation Commission fully considers the impact on our communities before moving forward.”

The lawmakers also pointed to findings from a December 2024 Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee study, which noted that the rapid rise of data centers has driven unprecedented energy demand in Northern Virginia.

While data centers have contributed to local tax revenues and economic activity, a single facility can consume as much electricity as 4,500 to 50,000 homes, placing additional pressure on existing infrastructure.

The letter signed by Singh, Srinivasan, and Martinez has been submitted to the SCC for review as the commission considers next steps on the GTM project.

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