Loudoun County School Board Votes on Transmission Line Restrictions

The Loudoun County School Board approved a measure by an eight to zero vote to restrict future transmission lines on school property. The board also reached a unanimous decision to appeal a State Corporation Commission ruling connected to the Golden to Mars project. These actions involve Dominion Energy and potential route adjustments.

The decisions occurred during a recent board meeting focused on local infrastructure concerns. Board members addressed the placement of power lines near educational facilities. The outcome directs further review of project alternatives.

Details of the School Property Restriction

The restriction prevents transmission lines from being located on school grounds in the future. This policy aims to maintain the primary function of these properties for educational use. Board members considered the implications for student safety and facility operations during deliberations.

Loudoun County encompasses multiple districts served by the school board. The eight to zero vote indicates broad agreement on the restriction among participating members. Implementation will guide future planning by utility companies operating in the area.

Current members of the Loudoun County School Board include Anne Donohue, April Chandler, Deana Griffiths, Ross Svenson, Kari LaBell, Lauren Shernoff, Jonathon Pepper, and Amy Riccardi. Their roles encompass representation across various districts and at large positions.

Appeal of the State Corporation Commission Ruling

The unanimous vote to appeal the Golden to Mars ruling seeks to revisit aspects of the project approval. The appeal targets opportunities for Dominion Energy to propose different routing options. This step extends the review process beyond the initial commission decision.

State Corporation Commission rulings address utility infrastructure across Virginia. The board’s action initiates additional proceedings that could influence project timelines. Stakeholders including local residents and the utility company will participate in subsequent discussions.

The process emphasizes procedural review of transmission line placements. Alternative routes may reduce conflicts with existing land uses such as schools. The board’s involvement ensures local perspectives factor into state level outcomes.

Context and Next Steps in the Process

The Golden to Mars project involves transmission infrastructure proposed by Dominion Energy. The school board’s votes respond to potential overlaps with county properties. Further negotiations are expected as part of the appeal proceedings.

Regulatory frameworks in Virginia govern utility expansions and local input mechanisms. The board’s decisions contribute to ongoing evaluations of project impacts. Updates will emerge through public channels as the appeal advances.

Residents and officials monitor developments to assess effects on county resources. The measures reflect standard procedures for addressing infrastructure proposals near public facilities. Additional information will become available through official Loudoun County channels.

‼️ BIG WIN! Last night the Loudoun County School Board voted 8-0 to ban future transmission lines on school property — and voted unanimously to appeal the SCC's Golden to Mars ruling and push Dominion back to the table on alternative routes.

Full release ⬇️…

— Amy Riccardi (@Amy4SterlingSB) July 14, 2026

Email the Loudoun County School Board At:
April Chandler (Chair, Algonkian District) april.chandler@lcps.org,
Anne Donohue (Vice Chair, At-Large) anne.donohue@lcps.org,
Deana Griffiths (Ashburn District) deana.griffiths@lcps.org,
Ross Svenson (Broad Run District) ross.stevenson@lcps.org,
Kari LaBell (Catoctin District) kari.labell@lcps.org,
Jon Pepper (Dulles District) jonathon.pepper@lcps.org,
Lauren Shernoff (Leesburg District) lauren.shernoff@lcps.org,
Sumera Rashid (Little River District) sumera.rashid@lcps.org,
Amy Riccardi (Sterling District) amy.riccardi@lcps.org,

Email the Loudoun County School Board:
April Chandler, april.chandler@lcps.org,
Anne Donohue, anne.donohue@lcps.org,
Deana Griffiths, deana.griffiths@lcps.org,
Ross Svenson, ross.stevenson@lcps.org,
Kari LaBell, kari.labell@lcps.org,
Jon Pepper, jonathon.pepper@lcps.org,
Lauren Shernoff, lauren.shernoff@lcps.org,
Sumera Rashid, sumera.rashid@lcps.org,
Amy Riccardi, amy.riccardi@lcps.org,

Email the Board of Supervisors at:
Phyllis J. Randall (Chair, At-Large) – Phyllis.Randall@loudoun.gov,
Michael R. Turner (Vice Chair, Ashburn District) – Mike.Turner@loudoun.gov,
Juli E. Briskman (Algonkian District) – Juli.Briskman@loudoun.gov,
Sylvia R. Glass (Broad Run District) – Sylvia.Glass@loudoun.gov,
Caleb Kershner (Catoctin District) – caleb.kershner@loudoun.gov,
Matthew F. Letourneau (Dulles District) – Matt.Letourneau@loudoun.gov,
Kristen C. Umstattd (Leesburg District) – Kristen.Umstattd@loudoun.gov,
Laura A. TeKrony (Little River District) – Laura.TeKrony@loudoun.gov,
Koran Saines (Sterling District) – Koran.Saines@loudoun.gov