Nitrogen oxides are the key component of ozone, a colorless, odorless gas that can cause breathing problems. That's a major concern, opponents say, because the interstate is likely to cause more cars to travel through the region. Rogers and other opponents say that while air quality is a major issue, they are also concerned about the road's impact on scenic views and the loss of farmlands and open space. Highways, they say, increase the likelihood that development and other types of activity will swallow up undeveloped land and farms. It's giving policy makers and the public a broad overview of large areas and we likely overestimated some of the impacts.
Interstate opponents say historical sites and environmental issues are their best means of defense.
Henry County residents somehow got I-73 rerouted. The endangered fish, farm land and forests are concerns that may affect the federal approval of I-73. The new plan through Henry County will also cost just a little less to build. It won't be an interstate in West Virginia. In Virginia, the section from Bluefield to Roanoke is on the back burner.