Great News! Planning Commission Recommends Approval

We have great news! 

 

On Wednesday night Loudoun County took a first step towards taking some control over its energy future as its Planning Commission voted overwhelmingly to recommend approval of our plans to build a state-of-the-art combined cycle energy facility.

 

Planning Commissioner Kevin Ruedisueli (At Large) called the proposal a “win, win, win” for Loudoun County. Commissioner Peggy Maio (Blue Ridge) noted the project’s environmental benefits. Commissioner Helena Syska (Sterling) said “this is a great project for the county.”

 

Loudoun County citizens stand to benefit significantly from the proposed energy facility. Once online, the plant will reduce Loudoun’s needs to import power by about 20 percent. Loudoun currently imports 100 percent of its power, specifically coal power that enters the county through transmission lines. The project will generate significant direct annual tax revenue once operational.

 

The Planning Commission’s recommendation of approval comes just days after county staff offered its own recommendation of approval. 

 

I took time after the Planning Commission vote to thank county staff and the Planning Commission. Working closely with the staff, commission and public at-large has made our project better. That’s how the process is supposed to work.

 

Now we move forward to the Loudoun Board of Supervisors for a final action on our land-use approvals. We’ll be in front of the Board of Supervisors this Monday night March 8 at 5 p.m. for a public hearing. While we’ve had great success so far, it’s in large part because of your help. One commissioner noted that they had received an overwhelming number of letters from the public supporting our plans. I can’t thank all of you enough for your support. As someone who has done all of my work in Loudoun County, it means a lot to me to know that the public is behind me and my team’s efforts.

 

But now’s not the time to rest on our laurels. If you are free Monday night at 5 p.m., please consider coming to the county government center in Leesburg to offer your thoughts on our application. We still need your support. You can call in advance to sign up to speak at the Board's public hearing by calling the Clerk to the Board of Supervisors at 703-771-5072 or 703-777-0200. Advanced sign-ups will be taken until 12:00 noon the day of the meeting.  Citizens will also have the option to sign-up in person at the meetings. And if you can’t make it Monday night, please consider writing the Supervisors an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . And, as always, don’t hesitate to contact us directly at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . 

 

Together, we’re going to get this done. We’re going to build Virginia’s largest solar array. We’re going to wean Loudoun County off of inefficient coal power. We’re going to build a smart, green and clean energy source near energy demand. We’re going to do our part to clean up the Chesapeake Bay by utilizing treated effluent that is currently piped into the Potomac River. I couldn’t be more excited. I hope you’ll join us in our efforts.

Best regards,

John Andrews 

Managing Member

Green Energy Partners