Virginia Gas Storage Plan: Weigh In on Eco Impacts
Published Date: 1/16/2026
Notice
Summary
Columbia Gas wants to build a new energy storage project in Sussex County, Virginia, and the government is asking the public to share their thoughts on how it might affect the environment. People have until February 12, 2026, to send in comments, which will help decide if the project moves forward. This is a chance for locals and anyone interested to speak up before any big money or construction starts.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Landowners face eminent domain risk
If you own land in the project area, Columbia may contact you to negotiate an easement to construct and operate the facilities; you are not required to agree. If the Commission approves the project, the Natural Gas Act conveys eminent domain authority to the company, and if no agreement is reached the company could initiate condemnation proceedings with compensation determined by a judge under state law.
Project aims to boost energy reliability
You live in Virginia: Columbia Gas proposes a Southeast Virginia Energy Storage Project in Sussex County that would provide up to 1,100,000 dekatherms per day to help meet winter peak-day loads, mitigate pricing volatility during high-demand periods, and enhance regional energy reliability.
Construction will disturb 91.0 acres
Construction of the proposed facilities would disturb about 91.0 acres of land, and Columbia would maintain about 33.0 acres for permanent operation; the remaining acreage would be restored and revert to former uses.
Construction may affect roads, traffic, safety
Commission staff identified roadway improvements necessary to access construction work areas, traffic effects, and public safety as specific issues to evaluate; construction and access could require roadwork and affect local travel and safety during the project.
Opportunity to comment by Feb 12, 2026
You can submit written or oral comments on environmental issues so the Commission receives them by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on February 12, 2026. A public scoping session will be held on February 3, 2026, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Jessica Ann Moore Foundation Community Center, 408 School St., Waverly, VA.
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