Petice adresovaná: Jefferson County Commission

We, the undersigned residents, property owners, farmers, business owners, and supporters of Jefferson County, respectfully urge the Jefferson County Commission to formally oppose new high-voltage transmission line projects proposed within or crossing Jefferson County.
Jefferson County is defined by its scenic landscapes, productive farmland, historic communities, and strong property rights traditions. Large-scale transmission line infrastructure threatens:

• Electrical Bill — Electricity bills are to increase for every electricity rate payer to help pay for the construction of the new transmission line projects.
• Economic and health impacts — residential properties in proximity to new transmission lines may experience decrease property value and higher rates of Electromagnetic radiation exposure.
• Private property rights — through the potential use of eminent domain for private or out-of-state energy transmission interests.
• Agricultural viability — by fragmenting farmland, restricting farm operations, and reducing land value.
• Viewshed — Structures will be to 200 feet tall, new transmission towers in Jefferson County will be visible for miles.
• Environmental resources — including forests, streams, wildlife habitat, and scenic viewsheds.
• Parks and Recreational resources — Decrease of recreational park acreage, loss of native milkweed patches that feed Monarch butterflies and other pollinators.

• Historic heritage — by impacting protected historic districts, Civil War landscapes, and rural character.

While reliable energy infrastructure is important, transmission projects that primarily serve regional or corporate interests should not impose disproportionate burdens on Jefferson County residents.
We respectfully request that the Jefferson County Commission:

1. Adopt a formal resolution opposing industrial-scale transmission line projects that negatively impact Jefferson County.
2. Advocate before the West Virginia Public Service Commission and relevant federal agencies to protect county interests.
3. Require comprehensive environmental, agricultural, economic, and historic impact studies before supporting any transmission proposal.
4. Support policies that prioritize local input, transparency, and protection of private property rights.

Jefferson County’s long-term prosperity depends on protecting what makes our county unique — its land, heritage, and people.

We stand together to defend our community.