Subcommittee advances bill requiring utilities to consult localities before major tree work after W&OD clear‑cutting

Delegate Seibold urged the subcommittee to approve HB492, saying constituents were “devastated” and “rightfully furious” after a utility clear‑cut more than four miles of trees along the W&OD Trail without meaningful notice or coordination (Delegate Seibold). The bill would require utilities to consult localities and coordinate when vegetation management affects public lands, with an emphasis on transparency and limiting impacts to what is necessary to maintain safe and reliable service.

Residents and local officials told the panel the trail is a treasured public amenity used by families, runners and commuters. Lisa Robertson, a Vienna resident, described seeing the trail “butchered” and losing shade and habitat. Beth Eakas, who said she runs the W&OD daily, said the level of tree removal “was simply not necessary.” Environmental groups, including the Virginia Sierra Club and Clean Virginia, expressed similar support.

Chrissy Noonan, speaking for Dominion Energy, opposed the bill as unnecessary and potentially disruptive to reliability, saying Dominion’s forestry staff already coordinates with localities and often operates under easements and agreements. Noonan warned that a uniform rule would not account for location‑specific needs and urged the committee to preserve utility discretion for storm response and reliability work.

The committee proposed and accepted a friendly wording change to the bill language to require utilities to use “best reasonable efforts to trim or prune such trees,” which the patron agreed to. After limited additional discussion the subcommittee moved to report HB492 as amended. The bill was reported out by a vote of 5 to 2.

Next steps: HB492, as amended, will move forward in the legislative process for consideration by the full committee or chamber.