Federal court voids permit for powerline near Historic Jamestown, but practical effect unclear
A federal appellate court, holding that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers should have prepared an environmental impact statement on a project to erect a 7-mile-long line of transmission towers through the James River near Historic Jamestowne, on Friday ordered the permit for the project to be withdrawn. However, with the construction virtually completed, what the ruling will lead to remains uncertain.
The project, which the Obama administration had objected to, was enthusiastically supported by the Trump administration and former Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke. But a unanimous court held that the Corps essentially looked the other way when serious concerns were raised.