Federal Appeals Court Rejects Dominion Energy's Permit for James River Transmission Towers
Joint Statement by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Preservation Virginia
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
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About the National Trust for Historic Preservation
The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a
privately-funded nonprofit organization dedicated
to helping communities maintain and enhance the
power of historic places. Chartered by Congress in
1949 and supported by partners, friends, and
champions nationwide, we help preserve the places
and stories that make communities unique. Through
the stewardship and revitalization of historic
sites, we help communities foster economic growth,
create healthier environments, and build a
stronger, shared sense of civic duty and belonging.
SavingPlaces.org