Urgent Action Needed: Golden to Mars

TL;DR:

We need you to do three things ASAP

| 1) Register for the telephonic public hearing on Monday, December 15: https://nopowerlines.org/scc-hearing-by-phone | | 2) Submit written comments to the SCC: https://nopowerlines.org/scc | | 3) Share this information with friends, relatives, and neighbors |

As always, for more information go to: nopowerlines.org

You guessed it - you are going to see more emails from us over the next few weeks

Why?

Because we have reached a critical point in the Golden to Mars process

The State Corporation Commission (SCC) is now entering the final phase of public input, and we need every resident to participate.

This project is under review as Case No. PUR-2025-00056 , and the public comment window is closing soon.

If you have not acted yet, now is the time. And even if you attended a hearing, spoke at a hearing, or already submitted written comments, we still need a few more minutes of your time.

Those few minutes can help protect our community, our neighborhoods, and your home’s value for decades to come.

We are already seeing a surge of comments SUPPORTING Dominion’s application to run overhead 500kV transmission lines through our neighborhood - including many submitted by individuals who appear to be former employees, retirees, or contractors of Dominion - and none of which are submitted by individuals who live here and are actually impacted by this project.

Do not let them drown out our community’s voice

Numbers matter, and we need to show up in force - again!

We need you to do three things ASAP

1)       Register for the telephonic public hearing on Monday, December 15: https://nopowerlines.org/scc-hearing-by-phone

2)       Submit written comments to the SCC: https://nopowerlines.org/scc

3)       Share this information with friends, relatives, and neighbors

Every member of your household can and should participate – children, teens, grandparents, or anyone living in your home.

Comments do not need to come from people living along the proposed route. Dominion has made it clear that people from anywhere can weigh in.

And even if you do not speak for the full time allowed, simply registering and making a brief statement has a real impact.

Every registration and every comment is counted and helps us push back

The deadline to register and submit comments is Tuesday, December 9 at 5:00 p.m.

But – PLEASE DO NOT WAIT

We need early registrations and submissions – it strengthens our community’s position

Many residents assumed that registering for the in-person hearing secured a spot in the telephonic session

The SCC has clarified that this is not the case. To participate, you must register for the telephonic hearing separately

Let’s show them we can flood the telephonic hearings just like we did with the in-person hearings at Rock Ridge!

About the Telephonic Hearing

• Begins at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, December 15

• You will have up to 5 minutes to speak

• You do not need to use all 5 minutes

• You may read your written comment aloud

• You can keep your remarks very brief

• You can expand or address a different topic if you prefer

• The SCC will call you at the number you provide sometime after the hearing begins

• Pre-registration required by December 9 at 5:00 p.m. – but please do not wait!

How to register:

Option A: Complete the public witness form for Case No. PUR-2025-00056 on the SCC website Option B: Call SCC staff at 804-371-9141 (8:15 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.) and provide your name and phone number

More information about the telephonic hearing, instructions, and sample comments are available at: https://nopowerlines.org/scc-hearing-by-phone

Written Comments

Written comments are accepted through the SCC website until December 9 at 5:00 p.m.

All comments must reference: Case No. PUR-2025-00056

Every member of a household, including kids, may submit a separate comment. Comments from students and teens are especially impactful, and you can help them write theirs.

More information about submitting comments, instructions, and samples are available at: https://nopowerlines.org/scc

Please share this information widely with neighbors, friends, and your extended networks. You do not need to live directly along the route to weigh in.

With ongoing data center expansion, this case sets long-term precedent for infrastructure planning across the region.

For sample comments and resources, visit nopowerlines.org

Why Community Action Matters

Dominion’s proposed overhead lines threaten:

• Property values
• Tree canopy and environmental protections
• Neighborhood character
• The safety and visual environment near schools and parks
• The long-term quality of life for thousands of families

Our ask is simple and reasonable: The SCC should reject overhead transmission lines in close proximity to residential, school, park, and community areas and require undergrounding

Your participation becomes part of the official SCC case record. It matters.

Take Action Today

• Register for the telephonic hearing
• Submit written comments
• Encourage family, friends, and neighbors to do the same

This is another critical moment for the entire community to participate in this process.

Thank you for doing your part!