Rep. Newman Sends a Letter to Grid Growth Ventures, Federal and State Energy Associations Urging Alternative Power Line Route

State Representative Johnathan Newman (R-Troy) recently sent a letter to Grid Growth Ventures, PJM Interconnection, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), and the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB), urging them to reconsider the Grid Growth Ventures 765-kilovolt proposed power line route.

Within the letter, Newman outlined his concerns regarding the potential economic and agricultural damage this project could have in Darke County.

“Darke County is Ohio’s leading county in agriculture, utilizing 366,000 acres, which is about 80% of the county,” said Newman. “If we do not choose an alternative route, the negative impact of the grid will hurt the economy and permanently damage agriculture.”

Additionally, he highlighted the potential negative impacts on Darke County Ohioans’ property values, communication systems for first responders, and the negative environmental impacts on wildlife, waterways, and drainage systems, and more.

Representative Newman emphasized that he understands the need for grid growth to support the increase in technology and energy use; however, he believes there are better ways to approach advancing electricity in the district.