Joint Statement by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Preservation Virginia
(Washington) March 1, 2019 – Today, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit ruled that the Army Corps of Engineers failed to follow the federal legal requirements in deciding to permit Dominion Energy to build a massive power line and 17 towers across the James River at Jamestown. The court vacated Dominion Energy’s permit and directed the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The towers were energized earlier this week.
Paul Edmondson, interim president and CEO, National Trust for Historic Preservation:
“Preserving the James River and powering the surrounding region aren’t mutually exclusive. Had the Army Corps followed the law, a project alternative that delivers power and preserves this nationally significant landscape could have been identified. We remain committed to seeing these towers removed.”
Elizabeth Kostelny, CEO, Preservation Virginia:
“Our coalition maintained throughout the process that the James River’s iconic indigenous cultural landscape and the integrity of the views from Jamestown, the Colonial Parkway and Carter’s Grove could be preserved and electric power could be delivered to the Peninsula. This ruling will protect the integrity of historic places in the future.”
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About the Litigation
Matthew Adams led the Dentons team which also included Jessica Duggan and Samuel Kohn in representing the National Trust and Preservation Virginia pro bono in this appeal. Adams is a partner and chair of the firm’s U.S. Environmental and Natural Resources practice. www.Dentons.com
About the National Trust for Historic Preservation
The National Trust for Historic Preservation, a privately-funded non-profit organization, works to save America’s historic places. www.savingplaces.org
About Preservation Virginia
Preservation Virginia’s mission is to make Virginia’s communities and historic places of memory stronger, more vital and economically sustainable through preservation, education and advocacy. Preservationvirginia.org
Media Contacts
Erica Stewart
National Trust for Historic Preservation
202.588.6229 or 202.207.6795
estewart@savingplaces.org
Brittney Jubert, Preservation Virginia
804-648-1889 ext. 304
bjubert@preservationvirginia.org
