Sign this petition to:

(1) Call on the Rappahannock County Board of Supervisors to press for answers to critical questions related to FirstEnergy's proposed transmission tower rebuilt project that passes through the Shenandoah National Park and much of Sperryville.

(2) Demand Ohio-based FirstEnergy not steamroll this community without answers to important questions before they submit their proposal to the Virginia State Corporation Commission

(3) Express our concern to the Virginia State Corporation Commission about the FirstEnergy tower rebuild project and their lack of community engagement.

BACKGROUND:  

Last fall, FirstEnergy announced plans to rebuild the existing electric transmission line that runs between Luray and Sperryville, crossing over Thornton Gap.  While the company has described the work as a routine “rebuild” to improve reliability, early information indicates that the project represents a substantial change in both the scale and visual impact of the current infrastructure.

The existing line, constructed decades ago, is supported by wooden poles that generally blend into the rural landscape. According to preliminary information, FirstEnergy seeks to replace these structures with much taller galvanized steel towers, in some areas reaching heights of 80 to 95 feet. The new towers would rise well above the tree line, increasing their visibility across open farmland, scenic ridgelines, and protected landscapes, including areas within and adjacent to the Shenandoah National Park.

This power line corridor passes through one of the most scenic and historic portions of Rappahannock County. The unbroken views of the Shenandoah National Park and the surrounding agricultural landscape are defining features of our home. We not only cherish these but they form the foundation of our local economy, which depends heavily on tourism, agriculture, and outdoor recreation. Visitors are drawn to the area precisely because of its unspoiled rural character and natural beauty.

To date, FirstEnergy has provided limited public information about the project. At the November 3 Board of Supervisor meeting, they were unable to answer basic questions and were noncommital to holding a community meeting in Rappahannock despite requests from residents and four of the five Supervisors.  Residents and local officials have not received details on the actual and proposed heights of the towers, detailed design dimensions and initial colors, environmental assessments, or explanations of design alternatives. 

This lack of transparency and public engagement has generated significant local concern and distrust. Citizens have expressed unease that a project of this magnitude could permanently alter the landscape without a thorough evaluation of its visual, environmental, and economic effects. In a region where viewsheds are central to both our identity and our livelihood, residents deserve clarity on the scope, design, and necessity of the rebuild before applications are made and construction proceeds. 

The Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) serves as the state’s regulatory body responsible for overseeing such projects and ensuring that utility work is conducted in a manner that balances public need with environmental stewardship and community interests.  FirstEnergy seeks to file its application with the SCC early next year.  It is critical that we, the residents of Rappahannock County, have input into the design of this rebuilt BEFORE it enters the regulatory process.   Please consider signing this petition to empower our local leaders, put FirstEnergy on notice that we are watching, and express concern to state regulators. 

For more details on the Tower Rebuild project, please visit the FirstEnergy website here 

Rappahannock News article on the project, dated September 8, 2025 here

Rappahannock News article on Board of Supervisors meeting with First Energy, dated November 7, 2025 here.   

To watch for news and updates on this issue, join our new Facebook page here