Jefferson County Vision: Working for a Sustainable Future
Since 2018, Jefferson County Vision has worked to support sustainable growth, without heavy industry and ensure government transparency in Jefferson County, WV. We partner with individuals and organizations to ensure that the Jefferson County we know and love is protected for future generations.
We envision a county with clean air, fresh water, beautiful landscapes and farmlands, thriving tourism, and preserved historic treasures. With your help, we will continue to promote a vision for Jefferson County that benefits everyone.
Timeline: The Fight to Stop Heavy Industry
Summary – In 2021, JCV filed a Legal Complaint for injunctive relief against the Jefferson County Planning Commission (JCPC). The complaint identifies alleged violations of the Open Governmental Proceedings Act (OGPA), by the JCPC while reviewing a zoning map amendment application, during a regular meeting on May 11th, 2021. JCV asserts…
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Our Pickin’ on Polluters VI fundraiser co-hosted by JCV and the Eastern Panhandle Green Coalition (EPGC) November 12 at Alma Bea Restaurant was a rousing success! Sam Jannotta kicked things off with a music set along with Bill Unger and Jesse Schultzaberger. They were followed by Wayne Snow and Howling…
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JCV has entered its fifth year of serving the community. A 501(c)4 nonprofit, our mission is to “lead legal, political and community action to support sustainable growth, without heavy industry, and empower citizen’s voices to ensure government transparency.” A history of JCV’s efforts be found on this site. Most of…
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Comprehensive plans for Jefferson County and the locales contained within will shape the future of what our home looks like. The comprehensive plans should NOT include any heavy industry. These plans are reviewed when businesses express an interest in coming to Jefferson County. Most recently, a request was submitted to…
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Jefferson County Development Authority, often referred to as JCDA, plays a key role in recruiting new businesses to the county. As stated on their website, "the mission of the Jefferson County Development Authority is to provide an increased and diverse tax base for Jefferson County. The JCDA also provides new employment opportunities for…
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No more heavy industry has been the overwhelming response of citizens and was most recently evident during the June 5 meeting of the Ranson Planning Commission. Dozens of citizens spoke up during verbal and written public comment against the move to amend the zoning for an additional 194 acres of…
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Thanksgiving, November of 2017. A public notice was run in the paper about rezoning in the city of Ranson WV, to accommodate heavy industry. Thus began a chain of events that brought Rockwool to Jefferson County. Fast forward to April 5, 2023 when another public notice was run in the…
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We are making a difference! Representatives from Jefferson County Vision (JCV) traveled to Charleston WV for Environmental (E-day) in February. During that trip they had a chance to meet with legislators about the bills that were up for vote. We’re happy to report that several bills will further our goal…
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Jefferson County Vision and other environmental watchdog groups call for further investigation of the Danish megacorp’s ethical breaches and opaque practices
Rippon Energy Facility Inc., owned by Torch Clean Energy based in Charlottesville, has applied to the WV Public Service Commission (PSC) to be designated an essential utility. What this means is they are seeking to bypass Jefferson County Planning and Zoning jurisdiction through this application. Along with this, they will…
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JCV vs. JEFFERSON COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION (OGPA COMPLAINT) Summary — In August of 2021, JCV filed a Legal Complaint for injunctive relief against the Jefferson County Planning Commission (JCPC). The complaint identifies alleged violations by the JCPC of the Open Governmental Proceedings Act (OGPA). The Complaint was brought about by…
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12/8/22 –Third solar energy facility planned: During a workshop on 11/15/22, the Jefferson County Planning Commission approved the 878-acre Rippon solar project, making this the third Solar Energy Facility planned for development in Jefferson County. The applicant, Torch Clean Energy is proposing a 99 MWac solar electric generating facility, which…
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JCV and the Eastern Panhandle Green Coalition (EPGC) co-hosted the 5th annual Pickin’ on Polluters fundraiser on Saturday, October 5th 2022 at the Barn of Harpers Ferry. The event started with a public candidate forum of endorsed candidates Hannah Geffert, Susan Benzinger, Dale Manuel, and John Doyle. Candidates David Tabb…
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JCV vs. CITY OF RANSON (REZONING CASE) Summary — On November 5, 2020, Jefferson County Vision (JCV) filed an amended complaint in the Circuit Court of Jefferson County asking for Declaratory Judgement and Damages. The complaint alleges that Ranson knowingly violated their comprehensive plan and engaged in illegal spot/contract zoning…
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JCV vs. CITY OF RANSON (REZONING CASE) Summary — On November 5, 2020, Jefferson County Vision (JCV) filed an amended complaint in the Circuit Court of Jefferson County asking for Declaratory Judgement and Damages. The complaint alleges that Ranson knowingly violated their comprehensive plan and engaged in illegal spot/contract zoning…
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JCV vs. CITY OF RANSON (REZONING CASE) Summary — On November 5, 2020, JCV filed an amended complaint in the Circuit Court of Jefferson County asking for Declaratory Judgement and Damages. The complaint alleges that Ranson knowingly violated their comprehensive plan and engaged in illegal spot/contract zoning when the Ranson…
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JCV vs. CITY OF RANSON (REZONING CASE) Summary — On November 5, 2020, JCV filed an amended complaint in the Circuit Court of Jefferson County asking for Declaratory Judgement and Damages. The complaint alleges that Ranson knowingly violated their comprehensive plan and engaged in illegal spot/contract zoning when the Ranson…
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JCV vs. ROCKWOOL ET AL. (PILOT CASE) Summary — On November 2, 2018 JCV filed the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the PILOT arrangement and asserting that Rockwool should not be given preferential treatment and should pay their fair share of taxes just like…
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