Rep. King Continues Push for Less-Disruptive Route for Proposed 765-kV Transmission Project

State Representative Angie King (R-Celina) today provided an update on her ongoing efforts regarding the proposed 765-kV transmission project that could impact Ohio House District 84.

King has been working behind the scenes with landowners and interested parties, county elected officials, PJM Interconnection, and Grid Growth to raise concerns about the proposed corridor and its potential impact on farms, property owners, and rural communities.

“The need for additional transmission is not in dispute. The question is whether this is the right route,” King said. “I want my constituents to know I have been taking their concerns directly to the people involved in this process and pushing for meaningful alternatives before decisions are made.”

King has shared her opposition to the corridor as currently contemplated with PJM, Grid Growth, and the Chair of the Ohio Power Siting Board. She is asking that technically viable alternatives be fully evaluated under the same reliability standards, with consideration given to agricultural land, drainage systems, livestock operations, private property, historic and religious resources, and other community impacts. 

The potential ramifications are substantial. Auglaize, Darke, and Mercer counties contain more than 4,000 farms, approximately 869,000 acres of farmland, and roughly $2.6 billion in annual agricultural sales. Additionally, Darke and Mercer counties rank first and second in Ohio in total agricultural sales.

“Our communities deserve more than a line drawn on a map,” King said. “They deserve a fair and transparent process that seriously considers other workable routes and clearly explains why the final route is the best option.”

King said she will continue working with landowners, county officials, agricultural organizations, PJM, Grid Growth, and other stakeholders as the planning process moves forward.

“My position is clear: I do not support the transmission corridor as it is currently proposed,” King said. “I will continue advocating for a technically viable, less-disruptive alternative that meets our reliability needs while protecting our farms, property owners, and communities.”