CHARLESTON, WV (JK) – The West Virginia Freedom Caucus is renewing its opposition to the proposed Mid-Atlantic Resiliency Link, known as MARL, a high-voltage transmission project backed by NextEra Energy Transmission.
Caucus members contend the project would shift significant costs onto West Virginia ratepayers while primarily supporting the growing energy demands of data centers in Northern Virginia. They also oppose the possible use of eminent domain to acquire private land for the transmission corridor.
The MARL project would stretch roughly 107 miles from Pennsylvania through parts of Monongalia, Preston, Mineral, and Hampshire counties, and through Garrett and Allegheny counties in Maryland before reaching Frederick County, Virginia. The proposal remains under review by both the West Virginia and Maryland Public Service Commission.
Recent estimates indicate the projected cost of NextEra’s portion of the project has increased from approximately $441 million to $960 million. Opponents say the rising price strengthens concerns about the financial impact on customers, while supporters and the developer maintain the transmission line is intended to improve electric grid reliability and reduce congestion across the region.
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