The nonprofit Preservation Virginia has placed the proposed Valley Link transmission line corridor, which spans nine counties including Orange, on its 2026 list of Virginia’s Most Endangered Places. On the list of nine endangered sites, Preservation Virginia has this to say about the Valley Link project:
Largely driven by the result of the exponential growth of the data center industry and the energy they require, this new transmission line would be the largest ever constructed by Dominion. Eleven historic districts and several battlefields may be affected. The demand for additional land and electric power by data centers continues to impact conserved viewsheds and historic districts throughout Virginia. Solutions could include exploring alternate routes, using existing rights-of- way, or undergrounding the lines, but the overall project speaks to the continuing pressures created by the data center industry.
The corridor stretching from Campbell County to Culpeper County was nominated for inclusion on the list by the Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC), American Battlefield Trust and eight other organizations concerned with historic and environmental preservation in Virginia. The Valley Link consortium, which includes Dominion Energy, has said it plans to apply to the State Corporation Commission (SCC) in September for a license to proceed with the project.
According to the PEC’s press release accompanying Preservation Virginia’s announcement of the endangered places list earlier this year, the potential impact of the Valley Link project on central Virginia is staggering: “Over 2,500 acres of land that is currently forested, farmed, providing critical wildlife habitat and contributing to the rural economy and character of the region would be cleared and converted to utility right-of-way. At least nine historic districts, and numerous other historic resources (both listed and eligible) within the path and/or the viewshed of the proposed project, are likely to be impacted.
“Nonetheless, despite the immense scale, Valley Link claims the Joshua Fall-Yeat line will not require any substantive federal-level review for impacts to environmental, cultural or historic resources. This is deeply concerning given what’s at stake.”
Frank DiPasquale: “The SCC’s adherence to the public interest standard is … biased toward the energy industry”
On Tuesday (July 14), Byrd Street contacted Frank DiPasquale, chair of the Orange County Planning Commission, for his latest thoughts on the proposed 115-mile transmission line project, which would gobble up many acres of new right-of-way in Orange County and beyond.
In his emailed response, DiPasquale had sharp words for the SCC, which will decide the fate of the Valley Link proposal, and for elected state officials: “As I view the road ahead, the SCC’s adherence to the public interest standard is myopic and is biased toward the energy industry. They do so as a consequence of many poor decisions by our elected officials in Richmond, especially regarding energy policy coupled with data center development incentives, as well as reactionary measures of the coalition of energy companies at PJM. The casualty of all of these unfortunate events and decisions is the obvious willingness to negatively impact the culture and value system of those that live in ‘rural’ counties.”
“Our public interest (standard) takes a back seat as a consequence of poor decisions, poor planning and a lack of understanding of the economic impact of our historical sites, agribusiness, tourism and a preferred way of life. How, in good conscience, can a Commonwealth agency such as the SCC not respect Civil War battlefields? Northern Virginia data centers are the reason. We seem willing to toss aside our great history, and their landmarks, as a consequence of poor policy making and planning that has led Virginia to be the largest importer of electricity in the United States,” DiPasquale wrote.
“How, in good conscience, can a Commonwealth agency such as the SCC not respect Civil War battlefields? Northern Virginia data centers are the reason.” —Frank DiPasquale, chair, Orange County Planning Commission
He also stated that Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) and the state legislature have said only existing right-of-way corridors should be used for new transmission lines: “The General Assembly and the Commonwealth’s Governor could not be clearer regarding the use of existing corridors. If the Commonwealth’s Sovereignty must be fought for, then all should do so, including our elected officials in Richmond—not just the counties affected.
“As a consequence, the Governor should hold Valley Link to use the existing corridors, regardless of excuses. Additionally, Valley Link should be admonished, at the least, for their purposeful neglect of their statutory obligation to consult with County Planning Commissions before the project is filed with the SCC—so each county can make their case relative to the public interest of their citizens.
“Protecting these historic landmarks is a fight to protect an important part of our heritage and culture along with a rural community that is an important contributor to the region’s economy. Protecting these historical landmarks is symbolic of a larger challenge for the Commonwealth and all of its rural counties,” DiPasquale concluded.
Preservation Virginia publishes its list of the most endangered places every year. The Richmond-based organization’s 2026 announcement notes, “This year’s list of Virginia’s Most Endangered Historic Places reflects the increasing pressure of new development on historic communities and the ongoing impacts of the data center industry. During the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, it’s critical to find ways to grow thoughtfully while preserving the places that share the American story.”
Related coverage
Preserve Orange Alliance readies for battle against Valley Link (June 1)
Valley Link releases new transmission line maps (May 28)
Byrdcast: PEC’s Don McCown talks power lines, data centers (March 15)
Hundreds turn out for Valley Link open house at Lafayette Station (March 12)
Byrdcast: Supervisors weigh in after Valley Link meeting (March 10)
Local band brings rhythm and spirit to Dogwood Village
by John Amos, Byrd Street correspondent
Dark Hollow made an appearance at Dogwood Village on Thursday night, June 25. The local bluegrass and country act played an hour-long set for a packed room of Dogwood residents.
The band stuck mostly to classics, treating the crowd to Bill Monroe’s “You’ll Be Close By,” Buck Owens’s “Tender Loving Care,” and “I Wonder Where You Are Tonight” by Jim and Jesse. They also branched out from country occasionally, at one point rendering a lively bluegrass version of Bob Dylan’s “Girl From the North Country.”
The residents loved every moment. Thelma Lutz arrived a bit late but soon was up dancing along to “Long Black Veil.” About midway through the one-hour show, someone shouted out a request for “Rocky Top” and the group obliged.
“Dark Hollow” is comprised of six musicians: Paul Fincham (banjo and vocals), Wesley Fincham (bass), John Cook (guitar and vocals), Larry Haynes (guitar and vocals), Buck Morris (mandolin and vocals) and Caleb Dodd (fiddle and vocals). They were joined on Thursday by guest guitarist and vocalist, Dean Hearl.
After the closing gospel number, “Thank You, Lord,” residents Carter and Martha Jeen Jacobs remarked how much they loved the show. Surrounded by his family, 98-year-old Carter pronounced: “I’ll tell you what I know. I know I just heard a lot of good music.” —John Amos
Summer in Style: Elaine Brown says, “Wear what makes you feel good”
This new feature takes a look at some of Orange County’s most stylish dressers. We begin with Elaine Brown, longtime receptionist at the Taylor Education Administration Complex (TEAC), home of the Orange County School Board. Elaine greets every TEAC visitor with kind words and a warm smile, and her bright, colorful attire adds sparkle to the friendly welcome.
When I asked the Orange resident to describe her sense of style, she said, “I just go with the flow, and whatever I feel good in, if it makes me feel happy, I wear it!” Her favorite color is red, which she loves to wear with a touch of yellow. She credits her mother, Cecelia Rowe, with dressing her stylishly the whole time she was growing up. These days, she also gives style props to her daughter, Ebony Brown: “She keeps me going, too.”
What’s her recommendation for the style-challenged? “Well, you have to wear what makes you feel good and what you feel good in, not what you think someone else feels good in. Just go with what makes you feel good,” she said.
Thanks, Elaine, for helping Byrd Street launch Summer in Style!
If you’d like to nominate someone for Summer in Style, send the person’s name and contact info, plus a brief comment on what makes your nominee’s style special and fun, to hwholladay@gmail.com.
Gary Jones has 411 on the 611
Gary Jones was ready to roll when the Norfolk & Western Class J No. 611 steam
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