Today, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit ruled that the Army Corps of Engineers failed to follow the federal legal requirements in permitting Dominion Energy to build a massive power line and 17 towers across the James River at Jamestown. The court vacated Dominion Energy’s permit and directed the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The towers were energized earlier this week.

Paul Edmondson, interim president and CEO, National Trust for Historic Preservation:

“Preserving the James River and powering the surrounding region aren’t mutually exclusive. Had the Army Corps followed the law, a project alternative that delivers power and preserves this nationally significant landscape could have been identified. We remain committed to seeing these towers removed.”

Elizabeth Kostelny, CEO, Preservation Virginia:

“Our coalition maintained throughout the process that the James River’s iconic indigenous cultural landscape and the integrity of the views from Jamestown, the Colonial Parkway and Carter’s Grove could be preserved and electric power could be delivered to the Peninsula. This ruling will protect the integrity of historic places in the future.”

Media Contacts:
Erica Stewart, 202.588.6229 or 202.207.6795, estewart@savingplaces.org
Brittney Jubert, 804-648-1889 ext. 304, bjubert@preservationvirginia.org

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About the Litigation

Matthew Adams led the Dentons team which also included Jessica Duggan and Samuel Kohn in representing the National Trust and Preservation Virginia pro bono in this appeal. Adams is a partner and chair of the firm’s U.S. Environmental and Natural Resources practice. www.Dentons.com

About Preservation Virginia

Preservation Virginia’s mission is to make Virginia’s communities and historic places of memory stronger, more vital and economically sustainable through preservation, education and advocacy. Preservationvirginia.org