GRID GROWTH RESOLUTION
DARKE COUNTY – The Darke County Board of Commissioners has conducted considerable research, had extensive consideration and discussions with potentially affected landowners and community members; the Darke County Board of Commissioners is formally expressing its concerns and opposition to the proposed Grid Growth Ventures 765-kilovolt transmission project being routed through Darke County.
The Commissioners fully recognize the importance of a reliable and resilient electric grid and support continued improvements to the PJM (Pennsylvania-New Jersey-Maryland Interconnection) transmission network. Reliable electric service is vital to the success and well-being of our homes, businesses, farms, schools, hospitals, and emergency services. However, based on feedback from affected landowners and our assessment of the potential impacts to Darke County, we do not believe that locating a 765-kilovolt transmission corridor through our county serves the long-term interests of the community.
The Commissioners’ concerns are focused on the permanent impacts that this project could have on Darke County.
Impacts to our dairy, poultry, cattle, and swine industries
Impacts to agricultural land and farming operations
Effects on property values and future property use
Impacts to drainage systems, waterways, wetlands, and other natural resources
Effects on wildlife and other sensitive areas
Impacts to family farms and our rural communities
Impacts to Darke County’s public-safety communications infrastructure
Impacts to medical response times when CareFlight that is located in our county, is responding to life-saving incidents
Darke County is Ohio’s leading agricultural production county. According to the 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture, the county generated more than $1.19 billion in agricultural sales, making agriculture a cornerstone of the local economy. More than 366,000 acres, approximately 80% of the county’s land area, are devoted to agricultural production, supporting over 10.5 million head of livestock and 35.3 million bushels of grain annually.
The Commissioners’ concerns are centered on the lasting impacts this project could have on Darke County. We respectfully urge our elected representatives to encourage decision-makers at PJM, the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB), and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to consider the full impacts of these projects, and not solely the need for additional transmission infrastructure.
Rural landowners should not be expected to sacrifice their property and way of life as the default solution for meeting growing electricity demand. Farmland is a valuable resource that supports agriculture, local economies, and generations of family investment. It should not be viewed simply as available land for development.
For many affected landowners, the impacts of a transmission corridor would be permanent, while any direct benefit to their property, or even to Darke County as a whole, remains unclear. Families who have owned and cared for their farms for generations are being asked to bear the burden of infrastructure designed to serve broader regional needs.
We believe PJM, FERC, and OPSB must take a more comprehensive approach that gives meaningful consideration to the interests of the communities affected by these projects. The Darke County Board of Commissioners calls for a thorough evaluation of alternatives that can improve grid reliability while minimizing impacts on agricultural landowners and rural communities.
The Commissioners encourage residents and potentially affected landowners to remain engaged throughout the regulatory process by attending public meetings, providing feedback, and making their voices heard.
The Darke County Board of Commissioners remains committed to supporting our farmers, landowners, businesses, villages, and families as this process moves forward.
