Indian American Congressman Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA-10) has urged the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) to review community concerns over Dominion Energy’s proposed 500kV/230kV Golden to Mars transmission project, citing strong opposition from local residents.
The project seeks to build new transmission lines connecting existing substations in the Ashburn area, northwest of Dulles Airport. Dominion has applied for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, which, if granted by the SCC, would allow the project to advance.
In a September 4, 2025, letter to the SCC, Congressman Subramanyam detailed his concerns about several proposed routes that could affect densely developed areas, including residential neighborhoods, businesses, and schools.
According to a statement from his office, Subramanyam has heard from hundreds of constituents who are “rightfully worried” about the potential impact of above-ground transmission lines on their homes, neighborhoods, and children’s safety. He specifically highlighted risks to two Loudoun County schools and families living in Loudoun Valley Estates.
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“Representing Virginia’s 10th Congressional District, I recognize the importance of balancing increasing energy needs with environmental stewardship and community interests. Northern Virginia is home to some of the highest concentrations of data centers in the world…” he wrote, adding, “As our nation continues to lead the world in AI innovation a national plan should be developed to ensure data centers and the energy infrastructure needed to supply them are not harming our communities.”
Subramanyam stressed that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the SCC, and other relevant regulatory agencies must use every tool available to mitigate the negative impacts of large-scale transmission projects.
He further urged the SCC to carefully explore alternatives, emphasizing that the expansion of data centers and related infrastructure must be “balanced” with the “well-being” of local communities.
