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In the News
07/16/09 - Energy Conservation Council Signs on to Joint Proposed Settlement
01/12/09 - Energy Conservation Council Appeals PUC Decision
11/20/08 - Energy Conservation Council Responds to PUC Ruling
09/22/08 - Energy Conservation Council Responds to TrAILCo Agreement
09/22/08 - Energy Conservation Council Responds to TrAILCo Exceptions
08/27/08 - Citizens were given a voice…and they chose to speak out
05/01/08 - Lawsuit Represents Property Owners Affected by TrAIL Project
04/05/08 - Local Children and Youth Rally to Protest 500-kilovolt Transmission Line
03/21/08 - PUC Evidentiary Hearings on Proposed Power Lines to Begin on Monday, March 24
10/11/07 - Lawsuit Will Represent Property Owners Affected by APTrAIL
09/19/07 - PUC to Hear Final Public Testimony on Proposed Power Lines
09/04/07 - Greene County Residents to Provide Power Line Testimony
08/30/07 - Sonny Popowsky Will Attend The Puc Public Input Hearing Tonight
08/29/07 - PUC to Hear Public Testimony on Impacts of Proposed Power Lines
04/06/07 - Community Meeting Attendees Express Opposition to Allegheny Energy’s TrAIL Project
03/16/07 - Community Meeting Will Discuss Allegheny Energy’s Proposed High Voltage Power Line
There are many organizations dedicated to saving the environment through energy conservation and responsible use of our planets resources. Here are just a few:
(7/16/09)
Energy Conservation Council Signs on to Joint Proposed Settlement
Marianna, Pa.— The Energy Conservation Council of Pennsylvania is a signatory to a joint proposed settlement that was filed on Monday. If approved by the Public Utility Commission, it will eliminate the need for the proposed construction of a new 500kV substation (Prexy) in Washington County, approximately 36 miles of new 500kV transmission lines through Washington and Greene counties, and three new 138 kV lines to connect the proposed new substation to existing transmission lines.
Instead, the settlement agreement proposes to reinforce the electric grid by installing one new pole on an existing utility right of way (to allow the connection between two existing lines that cross over each other), adding equipment (capacitors) at some existing substations, and replacing the conductors on 2.5 miles of existing 138 kV lines.
The technical report attached to the Joint Petition describes the proposed solution in detail. The estimated cost is $11.6 million. The solution offered in the settlement will solve the reliability issues that were driving the need for the previously proposed "Prexy Facilities,” will be much less intrusive to the environment, and will cost much less.
The Energy Conservation Council’s concerns with the proposed “Prexy Facilities,” as expressed in its opposition at the PUC proceeding, will be satisfied if the settlement is adopted, because an independent expert has determined, after running a variety of requested tests, that something needs to be done and the proposed fix is reasonably proportionate to the need.
The Joint Petition for Settlement was sent to the PUC’s Administrative Law Judges to be ruled upon by them. Their recommended decision will then be considered by the full Commission.
The participants in the collaborative included TrAILCo/West Penn Power, the Public Utility Commission’s Office of Trial Staff, the Office of Consumer Advocate, the Energy Conservation Council of Pennsylvania, West Penn Power Industrial Interveners, Representative H. William DeWeese, Washington County Board of Commissioners, Greene County Board of Commissioners, State Senator J. Barry Stout, State Representative Timothy Solobay, property owners, and Duquesne Light Company. The Keystone Center managed the process and facilitated the meetings that began six months ago, and Whitfield Russell Associates provided independent technical analysis supporting the group’s selected solution.
The Energy Conservation Council of Pennsylvania is a nonprofit organization promoting energy conservation and energy efficiency to improve environmental quality. They support clean, accountable and responsible energy development and energy conservation to protect the natural resources, history and beauty of Pennsylvania and its neighboring states.
Download full PDF Text of the PUC Filing
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(1/12/09)
Group takes case to Commonwealth Court
Marianna, Pa.—The Energy Conservation Council of Pennsylvania (ECC) will file an appeal today in response to a partial decision rendered by the PA Public Utility Commission (PUC) on December 12, 2008, to approve a 1 1/2 mile segment of a 240 mile, high-voltage power line project proposed by an Allegheny Energy affiliate company, TrAILCo.
This project is intended to traverse parts of southwestern Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Virginia. The partial decision in December gave TrAILCo the authorization to construct the last 11/2 miles of the 40-mile segment that lies in Pennsylvania. The ECC has opposed the construction of the power line and its two affiliated substations since inception.
The appeal of the PUC decision will be filed in Commonwealth Court, opposing the decision arrived at by a 4-to-1 vote from the PUC commissioners. The dissenting voice on the commission, Commissioner Tyrone Christy, was the only commissioner who attended evidentiary hearings or public input hearings. He said that it was "painfully apparent" from the record that TrAILCo "did not come close to meeting its burden of proof in this case.”
In the appeal, the ECC argues that the company in fact did not meet its burden of proof in its application to construct the line and contends that four of the five PUC commissioners unfairly ignored the overwhelming evidence that this line is not needed and is being built to transfer cheap, coal-fired power from southwestern Pennsylvania to the east.
This evidence was presented during a lengthy proceeding presided over by the PUC’s own administrative law judges (ALJ) who wholeheartedly agreed with the ECC in a 364-page Recommended Decision issued in August. The ALJ’s agree that this project is about transporting cheaply generated power from here to the east, that no less-intrusive options were even considered, and that the alleged need is “minor or even non-existent.” The PA Office of the Consumer Advocate supported the Recommended Decision, as did the PUC’s own Office of Trial Staff.
“It is absolutely incredible to us that four of the five PUC commissioners chose to approve this portion of the line, saying that they are only approving 1 1/2 miles of a 40-mile line,” said Laurie Nicholl, president of the board of directors of the Energy Conservation Council. “All through this process we have been firm in our conviction that this line is not wanted or needed in Pennsylvania. We intend to continue to fight for what we believe to be in the best interest of all of the citizens of Pennsylvania.”
The Energy Conservation Council of Pennsylvania is a volunteer-driven, nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of energy as a means of protecting the natural resources, history and beauty of Pennsylvania.
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(11/20/08)
Energy Conservation Council Responds to PUC Ruling
Group says fight over high-voltage power line is not over
Marianna, Pa.—In a baffling 4-to-1 decision on November 13, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) approved a portion of Allegheny Energy’s fiercely contested, 500-kilovolt power line project known as TrAIL.
This partial decision on the project is mystifying, because in a 364-page Recommended Decision by the PUC’s administrative law judges, the project was determined to have been ill conceived, destructive and not in the best interest of the state of Pennsylvania. Moreover, it was determined to have not satisfied any of the PUC regulations governing such projects.
In cases like this one, the administrative law judges are mandated by the PUC to preside over all of the legal proceedings surrounding the case, read all of the evidence, hear all of the witnesses and come up with a recommendation for the commissioners to consider in their final order. Despite all of the evidence to the contrary, the commissioners inexplicably approved a portion of the project anyway.
“We are waiting to read the commissioners’ Final Order on this matter to decide how to proceed,” said Laurie Nicholl, president of the board of directors of the Energy Conservation Council. “We are determined that the fight is not over. The back-room dealings and sudden change in direction is both troubling and disconcerting. This decision is wrong and unjust. We will continue to fight for what we know is right for the citizens of Washington and Greene counties.”
The Energy Conservation Council of Pennsylvania (ECC) has opposed this project from its inception. Along with the Office of the Consumer Advocate and the PUC’s Office of Trial Staff, ECC’s attorneys and the organization’s membership worked tirelessly to prove that the project wasn’t necessary and was driven by corporate greed, not local need.
The dissenting voice on the commission, Commissioner Tyrone Christy, whole-heartedly agreed with the administrative law judge’s Recommended Decision. Christy said, “As a PUC Commissioner, balancing the interests of the public with that of our utilities is my primary responsibility. It is clear that customers in western Pennsylvania will receive little in return for the siting of these lines in their backyards except upward pressure on the price they will pay for generation and transmission. Only the stockholders, generation owners and perhaps customers in eastern PJM will benefit. I cannot support a project that imposes all of the costs and none of the benefits on one segment of the public. I would like to make it clear that my comments should not suggest that I am opposed to the construction of new, large, high-voltage electric transmission projects in the Commonwealth. Transmission line siting cases present two fundamental issues to this Commission—whether the need for the line exists; and, whether the proposed route is the best of all alternatives considered. It is painfully apparent from the record that TrAILCo did not come close to meeting its burden of proof in this case on either count.”
The Energy Conservation Council of Pennsylvania is a volunteer-driven, nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of energy as a means of protecting the natural resources, history and beauty of southwestern Pennsylvania.
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(9/22/08)
Energy Conservation Council Responds to TrAILCo Agreement
Group says fight over high-voltage power line is not over
Marianna, Pa.—An agreement that has not been signed, but was announced today by Allegheny Power’s TrAILCo and the Greene County Commissioners does not end the proceedings underway with the Public Utility Commission (PUC).
In fact, the agreement shows that the PUC administrative law judges' decision was correct, because TrAILCo has agreed that it needs to look at less damaging, less costly alternatives to their alleged issues.
The Energy Conservation Council of Pennsylvania has been saying this all along. The judges’ 364-page decision is wholly supported by the Energy Conservation Council in their reply to TrAILCo’s exceptions, which were filed today.
“The bottom line remains the same,” said Laurie Nicholl, president of the board of directors of the Energy Conservation Council. “TrAILCo has not proven a need for any new transmission facilities. They should completely withdraw their application.”
The agreement announced today was a deal brokered by TrAILCo and some local elected officials. The Energy Conservation Council of Pennsylvania, one of the most active parties standing in opposition to the TrAIL project at the PUC, was not included in the discussions—and neither were the families most affected by the power line issue.
“We are confident that the PUC will continue to evaluate the issues objectively, and not let side deals influence their evaluation,” said Nicholl. “We encourage TrAILCo to withdraw its application at the PUC and end this charade once and for all. If one Pennsylvania family is sacrificed in an effort to reach this agreement, it is too high a price to pay.”
The Energy Conservation Council of Pennsylvania is a volunteer-driven, nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of energy as a means of protecting the natural resources, history and beauty of southwestern Pennsylvania.
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(9/22/08)
Energy Conservation Council Responds to TrAILCo Exceptions
Group supports PUC Recommended Decision and maintains TrAILCo application flawed
Marianna, Pa.—On August 15, 2008, the Public Utility Commission’s (PUC) Administrative Law Judges Michael Nemec and Mark Hoyer issued a Recommended Decision in a long-fought and often contentious battle over Allegheny Energy’s request to construct one 500-kilovolt and three 138-kilovolt power lines, plus two new substations, through Washington and Greene counties in southwestern Pennsylvania. Their decision was to completely deny the company’s application.
As part of the PUC process, Allegheny Energy’s TrAILCo was given the chance to file Exceptions to the judges’ decision, which they did on Sept. 10, 2008. All participating parties were then given a chance to reply to TrAILCo’s Exceptions.
The Energy Conservation Council of Pennsylvania has stood in opposition to this project from the beginning and filed their Replies to the Exceptions on Sept. 22, 2008. The judges’ 364-page decision is wholly supported by the Energy Conservation Council in their reply to TrAILCo’s Exceptions.
“There are no surprises here,” said Laurie Nicholl, president of the board of directors of the Energy Conservation Council. “This is just more of the same rhetoric. TrAILCo has convinced no one that their intent for this project was anything other than to move cheap coal-fired power to the east. There is just no local or regional need for this project.”
In their filing, the Energy Conservation Council contends that:
TrAILCo has not proven that there are any reliability problems that would lead to often repeated threats of local blackouts.
TrAILCo did not consider any alternatives to this huge, destructive power line.
TrAILCo has not considered the effect of this project on families and the environment.
TrAILCo did not comply with Pennsylvania regulations regarding the siting of power lines.
TrAILCo has not satisfied the mandated PUC requirements to become a public utility.
The filing goes on to say that “the fundamental principles and assumptions underlying TrAILCo’s analyses are flawed. Thus the analyses themselves are flawed, and the results and conclusions based on those analyses are equally flawed. TrAILCo has erred in building its house on sand.”
“Pennsylvania, as well as the rest of the country, is quickly becoming aware that the old way of generating and transmitting power is just not working anymore,” said Nicholl. “We cannot afford to jeopardize future generations of Pennsylvanians by risking any more unnecessary damage to our air quality and environment.”
The Energy Conservation Council of Pennsylvania is a volunteer-driven, nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of energy as a means of protecting the natural resources, history and beauty of southwestern Pennsylvania.
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(8/27/08)
Citizens were given a voice…and they chose to speak out
On August 15, 2008, the Public Utility Commission’s Administrative Law Judges Michael Nemec and Mark Hoyer issued an Initial Decision in a long-fought and often contentious battle over Allegheny Energy’s request to construct one 500-kilovolt and three 138-kilovolt power lines, plus two new substations, through Washington and Greene counties in southwestern Pennsylvania.
The Energy Conservation Council of Pennsylvania stood in opposition to this project from the beginning, because of the lack of need, the negative impacts to the environment, the unnecessary cost to consumers, and the critical impact to the lives and property of those in the path of the proposed power lines.
We are understandably pleased with the conclusion of the judges, who confirmed that these lines are not needed for reliability—and are not in the best interest of Pennsylvania. The future of Pennsylvania’s energy independence is dependent on forward-thinking, clear-eyed decisions such as this.
Pennsylvania, as well as the rest of the country, is quickly becoming aware that the old way of generating power is just not working anymore. We cannot afford to jeopardize future generations of Pennsylvanians by risking any more unnecessary damage to our air quality and our environment.
Standing shoulder to shoulder with us in this battle were our elected officials, proving to us that even in these cynical times, government does indeed listen to its citizens. Our state senators, local representatives and municipal leaders each took their turn in almost universally opposing this project.
The agency charged with protecting the rights of consumers in Pennsylvania, The Office of the Consumer Advocate, worked tirelessly over one and a half years to study the facts. The Consumer Advocate, Irwin “Sonny” Popowsky, and lead attorneys Dianne Dusman and Darryl Lawrence reached a conclusion that mirrored the judges’ decision—these lines are not needed and, in fact, are merely a thinly veiled attempt to move cheap, coal-fired power to the east where the need is the greatest.
This was a true team effort. The PUC’s Office of Trial Staff, who legally represent the public interest in cases such as this, and West Penn Power Industrial Intervenors, who represent a number of large Pennsylvania businesses, all agreed that Allegheny Power did not carry the burden of proof required to be granted the right to construct these lines.
While we acknowledge that this initial decision represents just the first hurdle in our fight, we vow to continue our efforts to protect the citizens and environment of Pennsylvania.
Finally, we must mention the role that Stop the Towers played in this effort. Thousands of people came together to form an incredibly powerful grassroots movement unlike any we have ever witnessed. People signed petitions, testified at public hearings, wrote letters to editors, contacted elected officials, donated money and participated in community events. We encourage them to stay involved.
We all appreciate the integrity of this process to this point, and we look forward to seeing it through to its conclusion.
Margaret Moran
Laurie Nicholl
Members, Board of Directors
Energy Conservation Council of Pennsylvania
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(5/1/08)
Lawsuit Represents Property Owners Affected by TrAIL Project
Legality of Allegheny Power/TrAIL Rights-of-Way to be Challenged in Greene County Courts
Affected Citizens Encouraged to Participate
Pittsburgh, Pa.—Attorney Richard DiSalle filed a Multi-Plaintiff Lawsuit on behalf of Greene County residents on May 1, 2008. The suit questions the legality of rights-of-way being referenced by the proposed Allegheny Power/TrAIL project. Allegheny Power’s TrAILCo has asked the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission for permission to build a massive, 500-kilovolt transmission line and three, 138-kilovolt transmission lines across 37 miles of southwestern Pa.
The lawsuit addresses concerns about the scope, location and validity of these rights-of-way. It raises the issue of the rights-of-way being decades old and contends that they were abandoned by Allegheny Power years ago. The plaintiffs have homes or property in the path of or near the transmission line, with its 12-to-20 story towers. The company is also proposing to build two enormous substations to service this line.
The plaintiffs have many additional concerns, some of which include aerial herbicide spraying, potential property damage, decreased property values, contamination of springs and wells from chemicals used in routine maintenance, and clear cutting of hundreds of acres of trees from their properties.
Allegheny Power’s alleged ownership of these rights-of-way was one reason stated by the company for choosing their preferred line route for the TrAIL project. If these rights-of-way are proven to be invalid, it is possible that the current preferred route would have to be reconsidered.
This is the second lawsuit that Judge DiSalle has filed regarding the Allegheny Power/TrAIL project. A similar lawsuit was filed in October of last year on behalf of Washington County residents, and it is proceeding through litigation in the Washington County courts.
Richard DiSalle served as a judge of the Superior and Commonwealth Courts of Pennsylvania, and the Court of Common Pleas of Washington County. He is currently a partner in the firm of Rose, Schmidt, Halsey & DiSalle, LLC, with offices in Washington and Pittsburgh.
Anyone interested in joining either lawsuit should contact Susan Foster Blank at (724) 228-5030.
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(4/5/08)
Local Children and Youth Rally to Protest 500-kilovolt Transmission Line
Scenery Hill, Pa.–A group of 150 children and youth from Washington, Greene, Allegheny and Fayette counties spelled out the words "Stop the Towers" with their bodies on a hillside Saturday afternoon in Scenery Hill to protest Allegheny Power/TrAILCo’s proposed high-voltage transmission line.
Allegheny Power’s Trans Allegheny Interstate Line (TrAIL) proposal calls for the construction of one 500-kilovolt and three 138-kilovolt high-voltage transmission lines through Washington and Greene counties. The proposed lines and substations will directly effect over 700 family homes in southwestern Pennsylvania, as well as impact thousands of homes, farms and businesses adjacent to the proposed path.
According to Jessie Robker, a sophomore at Bentworth High School who assisted in organizing the rally, the message is simple, "We don’t want Allegheny Power endangering our health with a high-voltage transmission line that locally is not needed."
The transmission lines that Allegheny Power would like to construct will emit electromagnetic fields (EMF) that scientists have linked with increased risks of childhood leukemia and numerous other health dangers. Many of the children involved in the protest will have these high voltage transmission lines only a few hundred feet from their homes, making EMF exposure a constant part of their lives.
"It is truly frightening," said Jack Minnick, a resident of North Bethlehem Township and a member of the Stop the Towers organization. "As a parent, my number one concern is my child’s health and safety. We as citizens are here today to say enough is enough. The thought of these lines being built at the expense of our children’s health for purely economic gain is absurd."
Others at the rally voiced concerns about contaminated drinking water from herbicides used to control vegetation around the lines, increased air pollution and greenhouse gases, marred landscapes, damages to crops, destroyed farmlands and plummeting property values.
Today’s rally was co-sponsored by the Energy Conservation Council of Pennsylvania and stopthetowers.org. Both groups are committed to halting the unnecessary, expensive and disturbing construction of the proposed 240-mile, 500-kilovolt line beginning in southwestern Pennsylvania and crossing into West Virginia and Virginia.
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(3/21/08)
PUC Evidentiary Hearings on Proposed Power Lines
to Begin on Monday, March 24
Rate Hikes, Eminent Domain, Public Health, Energy Conservation Among Concerns
Concerned Citizens Encouraged to Attend
Pittsburgh, Pa.—The Technical Evidentiary phase of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission's hearings on Allegheny Power's proposed Trans Allegheny Interstate Line (TrAIL) project will take place from March 24 through April 11 in the Pittsburgh State Office Building. Expert witnesses from both sides will testify and be cross examined.
The TrAIL proposal calls for the construction of one 500-kilovolt and three 138-kilovolt high voltage transmission lines through Washington and Greene counties. The proposed lines and substations will directly involve over 700 family homes in southwestern Pennsylvania alone, as well as impact thousands of homes, farms and businesses adjacent to the proposed path. Also substantially affected will be historic districts and agricultural and environmental treasures.
This process began in April 2007 when Allegheny Power/TrAILCo presented its application to the PUC. At that time, Allegheny Power’s witnesses addressed the alleged need for and validity of the line in written testimony only.
Over 350 concerned citizens and elected officials testified during the Public Input phase of the PUC process in August and September. After hearing this compelling testimony, Allegheny Power/TrAILCo supplemented their case with nine additional witnesses (for a total of 19 witnesses) to try and substantiate their claims of future reliability issues and a local need for the huge transmission line project. This delayed the hearings for months in order to allow the attorneys additional time to prepare.
The current hearing schedule is as follows: March 24, 10 a.m.; March 25-28, 9 a.m.; March 31, 10 a.m.; April 1-4, 9 a.m.; April 7, 10 a.m.; and April 8-11, 9 a.m. Hearings will adjourn at 5 p.m. each day.
Although there will be no public testimony taken at this phase of the proceedings, concerned citizens are encouraged to attend. “We simply believe that it is important to continue to put faces to the rural Americans whose lives will be destroyed, or at the very least severely disrupted, should this unnecessary, greed-driven proposal be approved,” said Rick Layton, a member of stopthetowers.org.
Joining in opposition to the proposed high voltage power line project are many environmental groups, such as the Sierra Club, Pennsylvania Land Trust Association, PennFuture, Izaak Walton League of America, Piedmont Environmental Council and WV Highlands Voice, just to name a few.
In addition, numerous elected officials have spoken out against the line, including Senators Robert Casey and Arlen Specter; Governor Edward Rendell; Senator Barry Stout; Representatives William DeWeese and Timothy Solobay; Greene County Commissioners Pam Snyder and Dave Coder; Washington County Commissioners Larry Maggi, Bracken Burns and Diana Irey; and a representative for Congressman Jack Murtha.
Concerns about the line include increased electric rates, decreased property values, marred landscapes, damages to crops, destroyed farmlands, contaminated drinking water, health concerns from electromagnetic fields, health concerns from herbicides and environmental concerns.
Anyone needing additional information can visit www.stopthetowers.org or call (724) 267-3040.
The Energy Conservation Council of Pennsylvania is an entirely volunteer-driven, nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of energy and the preservation of the natural beauty, historical sites and structures, and traditional rural and agricultural character of southwestern Pennsylvania.
Along with the Energy Conservation Council, stopthetowers.org is dedicated to halting the unnecessary, expensive and disturbing construction of the 240-mile, 500 kilovolt line beginning in southwestern Pennsylvania and crossing into West Virginia and Virginia.
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(10/11/07)
Press Conference
Lawsuit Will Represent Property Owners Affected by APTrAIL
Legality of Allegheny Power/TrAIL Rights-of-Way to be Challenged in Washington County Courts
Attorney Richard DiSalle will file a Multi-Plaintiff Action lawsuit on behalf of Washington County residents on October 11. The suit calls into question the legality of rights-of-way being referenced by the proposed Allegheny Power/TrAIL 500kV and 138kV lines. The 500kV line will cross 37 miles of Washington and Greene counties.
WHO: Richard DiSalle served as a judge of the Superior and Commonwealth Courts of Pennsylvania, and of the Court of Common Pleas of Washington County. Prior to becoming a judge in 1970, Judge DiSalle practiced law for 18 years.
WHAT: Judge DiSalle will explain the details of the filing and upon completion of the press conference, will file the lawsuit in the Prothonotary’s Office of Washington County.
WHERE: Rose, Schmidt, Hasley & DiSalle, L.L.C.
715 Millcraft Center
90 West Chestnut Street
Washington , PA 15301
(724) 228-2241
WHEN: October 11, 2007
11 a.m. EDT
WHY: The Allegheny Power/TrAIL Application proposes a 500kV line and several 138kV lines that will stretch across many miles of Washington and Greene counties, impacting hundreds of property owners. The lawsuit addresses concerns about the scope, location and abnormality of the rights-of-way. It also raises the issue that these decades-old rights-of-way were abandoned by Allegheny Power years ago.
Additional concerns about the lines include potential damages to crops, destroyed farmlands, decreasing property values, contaminated drinking water, negative health impacts from electromagnetic fields and herbicides, environmental issues, energy rate increases and marred landscapes, among many others.
Judge DiSalle is also working to prepare a filing on behalf of Greene County landowners. Anyone interested in joining in either lawsuit should contact Susan Foster Blank at (724) 228-5030 or Robbie Matesic at (724) 852-5300, ext. 372.
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(9/19/07)
PUC to Hear Final Public Testimony on Proposed Power Lines
Property Owners Warned to Beware—Agreements Jeopardize Current and Future Rights
Congressmen Murtha and Casey to Provide Testimony
The Energy Conservation Council of Pennsylvania is warning property owners affected by the proposed Allegheny Power/TrAILCo power line project to be wary of letters recently sent to an unknown number of property owners.
Jack and Pam Snyder, affected property owners, were surprised to open a Damage Release Agreement, promising $20,000 with 10 percent due upon signing of the document, and the remaining due upon “approval by government authorities.” In return, the couple would give up their right to oppose the line in any way, forever. They would also give up the right to seek any damages that the line might have on their fourth-generation family farm or even their health.
“It’s insulting that they believe $20,000 would come close to the financial damages my family and I will face if this line is built,” shared Pam Snyder. “I urge anyone who has received a similar letter to make sure they seek legal counsel before signing anything. This letter falsely indicates that we sat down and discussed these terms, and nothing could be further from the truth. They are obviously trying to take advantage of those who might be most vulnerable in the hope that some of these folks might be enticed to sign this agreement.”
Upon further investigation by the Energy Conservation Council of Pennsylvania, it was found that similar offers were made to other property owners, with the insinuation that these terms were discussed with property owners. Offers ranged from $20,000 to $100,000, although no obvious formulation was noted.
Anyone concerned about the pressure tactics, proposed electricity rate increase, potential health impact, or 125-foot steel and concrete towers proposed by the new Trans-Allegheny Interstate Line will have a final opportunity to have their voices heard this week.
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission will be holding the last round of public input hearings this week at the Washington County Fairgrounds, 2151 N. Main Street, Building 2, Washington, Pennsylvania. The hearings will be held on September 19 and 20 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. All those from Washington and Greene counties are invited to participate.
Of the nearly 900 individuals who have attended the previous eight hearings, 183 testified to oppose the line and just 17 testified in support of the line. Most of those in support of the line have a business relationship with Allegheny Power/TrAILCo.
Numerous dignitaries and elected officials have already testified in opposition to the project, including Senator Barry Stout, the Washington and Greene County Commissioners, superintendents from local school districts, doctors and lawyers. Even at this late date, as more information becomes known, Congressmen Murtha and Casey will be offering testimony in opposition to this project at the remaining hearings.
“Residents are being forced to defend their lives and their homes in just a few short weeks,” offered Laurie Nicholl, president of the Energy Conservation Council of Pennsylvania. “With the ever-increasing, high-pressure tactics being used by a desperate Allegheny Power, we must make sure we are taking the proper time to review this issue to the best ability we have. There is no going back.”
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, southwestern Pennsylvania is not a congested energy area. With some of the highest producing and polluting power plants in America, southwestern Pennsylvania has an overabundance of electricity to meet its energy needs. The proposed line will capitalize on this abundance of energy to benefit areas to our east. However, the project will be funded by Pennsylvania electricity consumers, who will pay higher electric bills to construct the line.
Anyone having questions about the Damage Release Agreements, right-of-way agreements, concerns about Allegheny Power/TrAILCo trespassing onto their properties or other issues regarding Allegheny Power/TrAILCo, should contact Allegheny Power/TrAILCo attorneys Ogden or Seltzer at 610-372-4761 or Jay Roberto at 866-472-6977. If no one is available, leave a message asking for a return call.
Anyone having questions about speaking at the hearings can call the Greene County Department of Economic Development at 724-852-5300 or send an e-mail to stopthetowers@yahoo.com. Information can also be found at www.stopthetowers.org.
The Energy Conservation Council of Pennsylvania is an entirely volunteer-driven, nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of energy and the preservation of the natural beauty, historical sites and structures, and traditional rural and agricultural character of southwestern Pennsylvania.
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(9/4/07)
Greene County Residents to Provide Power Line Testimony
Last week, over 65 individuals and elected officials testified to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) in opposition to the 500 kV line proposed by Allegheny Power/TrAILCo.
Senator Barry Stout and the Washington County Commissioners opened with testimonies, followed by many others who voiced concerns over possible links to childhood leukemia, brain tumors, increased electric rates, environmental issues, and the destruction of the landscape of southwestern Pennsylvania .
This week, the testimony continues, as the PUC hears from Greene County residents and elected officials at a series of hearings throughout the county.
The PUC created a task force in 2001, encouraging companies like Allegheny Power to investigate reasonable, cost-effective programs to help retail electric customers conserve energy or use it more efficiently.
“There are better and smarter ways to accomplish the energy needs of our nation,” shared Laurie Nicholl, president of the Energy Conservation Council of Pennsylvania. “In addition to energy conservation, demand side management, and improvements in energy efficiency standards, upgrades to existing infrastructure or building generation plants in places where extra energy is actually needed must be explored.”
The line proposed by Allegheny Power/TrAILCo would build a series of steel towers and high voltage lines across 37 miles of mostly private land in order to supply energy to areas outside of Pennsylvania .
“Allegheny Power is proposing to take energy produced at Hatfield Power Plant, one of the dirtiest in the nation, and send it to other places,” shared Pam Snyder, chairman of the Greene County Commissioners. “This means Greene County will pay twice; first with lower air quality and mercury generated from the plant, and again through hiked up electric rates, which will be used to build the line.”
According to the Energy Conservation Council, demand side management could greatly offset any demand needs by offering tax incentives to companies choosing to operate in off-peak hours. Technology also exists to improve the energy efficiency of appliances used in everyday living or to upgrade existing lines.
“We owe it to our children and grandchildren to make sure we have explored all alternatives,” shared Snyder. “Once the lines are built, we can never go back. Even just one child lost to childhood leukemia is one child too many.”
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission will continue their hearings on September 5 in Greensboro at 1 p.m. and at Carmichaels High School at 7 p.m. and again on the September 6 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Waynesburg College .
The hearings are precedent-setting, considering that 52 of Pennsylvania ’s 67 counties are part of the draft National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors. According to current legislation, eminent domain may be granted to the corridors designated by the NIETC.
“If this line comes to bear, we will find our property values decreased,” commented Nicholl. “Since our schools are funded on this value, they will suffer as well, all while Allegheny Power increases electric rates and hits the pockets of each and every user of electricity,” commented Nicholl. “ Greene County may be small, but the residents are mighty. I invite everyone who has concerns to voice them this week in front of the PUC.”
Anyone having questions about speaking at the hearings can call the Greene County Department of Economic Development at 724-852-5300 or send an e-mail to stopthetowers@yahoo.com. Information can also be found at www.stopthetowers.org.
The Energy Conservation Council of Pennsylvania is an entirely volunteer-driven, nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of energy and the preservation of the natural beauty, historical sites and structures, and traditional rural and agricultural character of southwestern Pennsylvania.
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(8/30/07)
The Pennsylvania Consumer Advocate, Sonny Popowsky, Will Attend The Puc Public Input Hearing
Tonight In Washington County.
Waynesburg, PA – Sonny Popowsky, the Pennsylvania Consumer Advocate, will attend the PUC Public Input Hearing tonight, August 30th, 2007, at 7:00 p.m. at the Washington County Fairgrounds, Bldg. No. 2.
Sonny Popowsky has served as the Consumer Advocate of Pennsylvania since 1990 and has worked at the Office of Consumer Advocate (OCA) since 1979. No person has had a bigger impact on electricity and utility law regulation in PA than Sonny Popowsky. He is committed to the well-being of residential utility consumers. He also currently serves on the Board of Directors of the North American Energy Standards Board (NAESB) and the Keystone Energy Board. In 1988, he briefed and argued the landmark United States Supreme Court case of Duquesne Light Company vs. Barasch, in which the consumers won.
Sonny Popowsky is deeply concerned about this project, which entails the proposed construction of 37 miles of new 500 kV power transmission lines through Washington and Greene Counties. He has assigned six attorneys to this case and he and his staff has been committed to helping the Energy Conservation Council and the residents of Western Pennsylvania in their trek to stop the towers. We are requesting your attendance at the PUC Public Input Hearings tonight to get a chance to see and hear a legend and to possibly get a chance to interview Sonny Popowsky.
Thank you for your coverage on the PUC Public Input Hearings and we hope to see you tonight.
The hearings will be held at the Washington County Fairgrounds, 2151 N. Main Street, Building 2, Washington, Pennsylvania:
August 30 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
September 19 and 20 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
And in Greene County:
September 5 at 1 p.m. at the Greensboro Volunteer Fire Department, Main Street, Greensboro, Pennsylvania
September 5 at 7 p.m. at the Carmichaels High School Auditorium
September 6 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Waynesburg University, Alumni Hall, 51 W. College St., Waynesburg
Anyone having questions about speaking at the hearings can call the Greene County Department of Economic Development at 724-852-5300 or send an e-mail to stopthetowers@yahoo.com.
The Energy Conservation Council of Pennsylvania is an entirely volunteer-driven, nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of energy and the preservation of the natural beauty, historical sites and structures, and traditional rural and agricultural character of southwestern Pennsylvania.
As a sponsored program of the Energy Conservation Council, stopthetowers.org is dedicated to halting the unnecessary, expensive and disturbing construction of the 240-mile, 500kV line beginning in southwestern Pennsylvania and crossing into West Virginia and Virginia.
Voice your concerns–the PA PUC wants to hear from you!
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(8/29/07)
PUC to Hear Public Testimony on Impacts of Proposed Power Lines
Rate Hikes, Eminent Domain, Public Health, Energy Conservation Among Concerns
Many Residents and Political Leaders to Gather and Speak Out Wednesday, Aug. 29
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PA PUC) will be holding a series of 12 hearings across Washington and Greene counties to hear citizens’ concerns and objections to Allegheny Power/TrAILCo’s application to construct new power lines across southwestern Pennsylvania.
Starting Wednesday, August 29, at 1 p.m. and again at 7 p.m. at the Washington County Fairgrounds, everyone concerned about the proposed electricity rate increase, potential health impact or the 125-foot, giant steel towers across the southwestern Pennsylvania landscape that are proposed by the new Trans-Allegheny Interstate Line will have an opportunity to have their voices heard.
Local, county and state elected officials will also be testifying against the Allegheny Power/TrAILCo application. There will be citizen information available at the Fairgrounds, and attendees are encouraged to arrive early. The full schedule and complete information is available at www.StopTheTowers.org.
These special hearings are also precedent-setting, because 52 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties were made part of the draft National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors (NIETC) in the highly controversial federal Energy Policy Act of 2005. In addition to granting tax credits for building new nuclear power plants in the U.S., Congress in 2005 granted the electric industry the power to preemptively assert eminent domain over state governments’ objections and provided hefty profit incentives for accelerated construction of new transmission lines.
“This line is unnecessary and unreasonable and will forever impact the health, beauty and economic vitality of our region,” said Joy Eggleston, board member of the Energy Conservation Council of Pennsylvania. “Right now, we have a chance to preserve the beauty of southwestern Pennsylvania, and the entire state, by participating in these hearings. Once the lines and giant towers are allowed to be built, it will be too late.”
Despite Allegheny Power/TrAILCo’s claims, the U.S. Department of Energy has made it clear that southwestern Pennsylvania is not a critical congested energy area. With some of the highest producing and polluting power plants in America, southwestern Pennsylvania already has an overabundance of electricity to meet its energy needs.
Rather, Allegheny Power’s plan will capitalize on this abundance of energy to transport the electricity generated at low cost in the Ohio Valley to sell for higher prices and meet demands in Mid Atlantic states to the east. However, this project is deeply hurtful to all of southwestern Pennsylvania’s electricity consumers and the opportunity we should have to provide a competitive market to attract business. Rather, we will ALL pay higher electric bills for the construction of those new lines.
In coming weeks, in addition to conducting the Public Input Hearings, the PA PUC will be walking some parts of the proposed lines and visiting several areas where the 500kV is proposed. Multi-generational family farms, historic sites, parks, businesses and many homes will be directly impacted if the proposed lines are allowed.
“We are grateful to the PUC for taking the time to visit the affected areas and to hear our collective voices in opposition to this unnecessary and wasteful project,” shared Laurie Nicholl, president of the Energy Conservation Council of Pennsylvania. “I hope every user of electricity will take a few minutes to stand up, join their neighbors and say no to higher electric rates by attending one of these local hearings.”
The hearings will be held at the Washington County Fairgrounds, 2151 N. Main Street, Building 2, Washington, Pennsylvania:
August 29 and 30 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
September 19 and 20 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
And in Greene County:
September 5 at 1 p.m. at the Greensboro Volunteer Fire Department, Main Street, Greensboro, Pennsylvania
September 5 at 7 p.m. at the Carmichaels High School Auditorium
September 6 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Waynesburg University, Alumni Hall, 51 W. College St., Waynesburg
Anyone having questions about speaking at the hearings can call the Greene County Department of Economic Development at 724-852-5300 or send an e-mail to stopthetowers@yahoo.com.
The Energy Conservation Council of Pennsylvania is an entirely volunteer-driven, nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of energy and the preservation of the natural beauty, historical sites and structures, and traditional rural and agricultural character of southwestern Pennsylvania.
As a sponsored program of the Energy Conservation Council, stopthetowers.org is dedicated to halting the unnecessary, expensive and disturbing construction of the 240-mile, 500kV line beginning in southwestern Pennsylvania and crossing into West Virginia and Virginia.
Voice your concerns–the PA PUC wants to hear from you!
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(4/6/07)
Community Meeting Attendees Express Opposition to Allegheny Energy’s TrAIL Project
Over 500 Residents Attend Informational Forum
Washington, Pa – An informational forum on Allegheny Energy’s proposed high voltage power line was held Thursday night at the Washington County Fairgrounds. This power line is slated to run through many communities in Washington and Greene Counties.
This meeting illustrated opposition to the power line by those most affected by its construction, the citizens of these counties and Allegheny Energy customers who will bear the burden of paying for the project through higher electric bills.
Concerns were expressed about the potential health impacts of the high voltage power line, as well as about the impact on local businesses. Residents also fear a decrease in property values and quality of life in the rural countryside of Washington and Greene Counties.
Bill Pollock, Somerset County resident and owner of a century old farm which will be impacted by the proposed line, presented a compelling case for why this line is not needed in this area from either a generation or demand standpoint.
At the meeting, it became evident that many believe this project will not benefit southwestern Pennsylvania. Despite claims to the contrary by Allegheny Energy, residents repeatedly stated their opposition to the project, which they believe is only necessary to transfer less expensive power to the Mid-Atlantic region. “Not only are we going to pay for the construction of this project, we will also be paying again with higher electric bills in the future. It’s like we are getting a double whammy, with no apparent advantage to Washington or Greene Counties” stated Rick Yanock, a spokesperson for the grass roots opposition group stopthetowers.org.
In attendance at last nights meeting and publicly voicing their opposition to this project were state Senator Barry J. Stout, state Rep. Timothy Solobay, Washington County Commissioners Larry Maggi and Diana Irey, state Rep. Bill DeWeese, Greene County Commissioners Pam Snyder, Dave Coder and Judy Gardner. U.S. Rep. John Murtha and County Commissioner Bracken Burns stated their opposition to the project by way a letters, which were read to the crowd.
Also in attendance to help the crowd to better understand the process were Chairman of the PUC, Wendell Holland and Public Utilities Commission representatives Robert Bennett and Kirk House.
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(3/16/07)
Community Meeting Will Discuss Allegheny Energy’s Proposed High Voltage Power Line
Hosted by an all-volunteer group of concerned citizens, land owners, and business owners of Washington and Greene Counties
What: A Community Forum for Concerned Citizens When: April 5, 2007 7:00 to 9:00 PM Where: Washington County Fairgrounds, Hall #1 Washington, PA Speakers: Richard Yanock Bill Pollock Sean Dobich Speakers are representatives of stopthetowers.org Agenda: 7:00 Introductions & Background 7:15 Business/Economic Case. 8:00 Next Steps . 8:15 Questions & Answers
Allegheny Energy‘s TrAIL Project proposes a 240 mile, 500-kilovolt power line through communities in Washington and Greene Counties, across northern West Virginia and into northern Virginia. The transmission towers could be up to 160 feet tall and the rights of way could be up to 200 feet wide. This project will impact the properties of hundreds of citizens in our area, and its importance to the power supply of Southwestern Pennsylvania is questionable, despite the fact that area residents will pay for the project through increased electric bills. This meeting will serve as a forum for discussion among those who will be affected the most, the residents of Washington and Greene Counties. Area elected officials, and representatives of the PUC have been invited, and citizens are encouraged to attend to voice their concerns about the TrAIL project. Updated maps of the three routes proposed by Allegheny Energy will also be available for viewing. Persons needing more information should visit www.stopthetowers.org.
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