Monongalia County Commission Questions Impacts of MidAtlantic Resiliency Link Project
The Monongalia County Commission recently questioned NextEra Energy Transmission MidAtlantic about the potential impacts of the MidAtlantic Resiliency Link (MARL) project, a 105-mile, 500-kilovolt transmission line planned to connect Pennsylvania and Virginia. The project's route may traverse parts of Monongalia County, requiring the clearing of a substantial area of land. Concerns have arisen among some residents who view the project as primarily benefiting data centers in northern Virginia, with limited direct advantages for the communities it passes through. NextEra representatives acknowledged that the specific benefits to Monongalia County remain uncertain and are framed as being for the broader regional good. The project doesn't require county approval; the West Virginia Public Service Commission holds the ultimate authority. Several other counties along the potential route have already voiced opposition with formal resolutions, and the Monongalia County Commission has not yet taken a public stance. Regarding financial implications for ratepayers, NextEra stated that the determination of who bears the costs will be made by PJM and the PSC. The Monongalia County Commission expressed interest in protecting the interests of its residents, particularly given West Virginia's role as a net exporter of power.
