Updated every week as available
Wall St. Journal, November 24, 2008
"An unexpected drop in U.S. electricity consumption has utility companies worried that the trend isn’t a byproduct of the economic downturn, and could reflect a permanent shift in consumption that will require sweeping change in their industry.
Numbers are trickling in from several large utilities that show shrinking power use by households and businesses in pockets across the country."
Rappahannock News, November 20, 2008
" The way is open for Dominion Virginia Power to proceed with the proposed Trans-Allegheny transmission line, a part of which will run through Rappahannock County.
Dominion will proceed with construction even though the Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC), Fauquier, Culpeper and Prince William counties and three opposition groups plan to appeal the State Corporation Commission’s (SCC) decision to the Virginia Supreme Court."
Rappahannock Voice, November 26, 2008
"The Piedmont Environmental Council on Monday evening held the first of two meetings in our immediate area related to the Dominion/Trailco high-voltage electric transmission line project now approved by Virginia, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. The meeting at the county library was targeted primarily to landowners facing loss of right-of-way to Dominion in Rappahannock and adjacent counties and secondarily to all interested citizens."
Winchester Star, November 26, 2008
"Despite some concern from Congress, Allegheny Energy is pushing ahead with its part of the proposed Trans-Allegheny Interstate Line (TrAIL).
Rep. Frank R. Wolf, R-10th, sent a letter Monday to Gov. Timothy M. Kaine, asking him to work with the governors of West Virginia and Pennsylvania to determine if the line is necessary. "
Washington Post, November 14, 2008
"Pennsylvania regulators yesterday approved the construction of a controversial high-voltage power line through part of the state, giving Dominion Virginia Power the final authorization necessary to begin construction on a 65-mile stretch through rural Northern Virginia...The lead opponent has been the anti-sprawl Piedmont Environmental Council, which raised more than $3 million to challenge the project and asked the Virginia Supreme Court to overturn the state’s approval of it. "
Winchester Star, November 14, 2008
"The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission gave final regulatory approval Thursday to a 500-kilovolt power line that would travel through Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Northern Virginia.
The $1.3 billion 215-mile line has now been approved by officials in the three states, giving it full legal permission for construction. "
TV 3, November 14, 2008
"The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission voted to approve their portion of the high voltage line.
The administrative law judges and expert witnesses in the Key Stone state recommended a rejection of the lines, which would halt the entire plan.
"In the Pennsylvania case where the judges, experts, and office of consumer advocate said that this is not needed, it seems to me that it is a political decision by them approving that line," says Robert Lazaro, Director of Communications."
Culpeper Star-Exponent, November 14, 2008
"Pennsylvania regulators on Thursday approved a short stretch of a multistate high-voltage power line designed to bring cheaper electricity from Appalachia to the Washington-New York corridor.
The state Public Utility Commission voted 4-1 in favor of the 1.2-mile line to be built by electric utility Allegheny Energy Inc.
"
Culpeper Star-Exponent, November 16, 2008
"The Piedmont Environmental Council will host two community meetings to update area residents on Dominion Power’s proposed high-voltage transmission line...A Nov. 24 meeting is set for 6 p.m. at the Rappahannock Library in Washington, Va., and a Dec. 3 meeting is set for 6 p.m. at the Jefffersonton Community Center in northern Culpeper County."
Culpeper Star-Exponent, November 16, 2008
"The Piedmont Environmental Council will host two community meetings to update area residents on Dominion Power’s proposed high-voltage transmission line...A Nov. 24 meeting is set for 6 p.m. at the Rappahannock Library in Washington, Va., and a Dec. 3 meeting is set for 6 p.m. at the Jefffersonton Community Center in northern Culpeper County. "
Leesburg Today, November 18, 2008
"Yesterday’s approval by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission of one segment of the TrAILCo and Dominion Virginia Power application to build a 240-mile transmission to end in southern Loudoun County brings Dominion closer to a green light to build its section of the line in Virginia."
Washington Post, November 11, 2008
"Maryland regulators have ordered the state’s electric utilities to come up with proposals by Dec. 1 to conserve power to prevent the rolling blackouts that customers could face by 2011...In an order issued last week, the commission expressed doubt that transmission lines planned through and around Maryland will be ready by 2011 to carry more electricity to the state. Regulators in Virginia and West Virginia have given their blessing to a 250-mile power line proposed through rural Northern Virginia, but the project has not been approved by Pennsylvania officials, who could scuttle it."
WTOP, November 11, 2008
"A new warning and a new president are renewing the debate over power supply across the Washington region...Robert Lazaro, from Virginia-based Piedmont Environmental Council, wants local leaders to do more planning together.
"Putting small power plants where they are needed so when there is a spike in local demand these plants can be turned on and provide power within the existing grid." "
, October 23, 2008
"Members of a civic group have thrown down a challenge to the Potomac Appalachian Transmission Highline powerline project, calling for an independent study.
Members of the Sugarloaf Conservancy and guest speakers pushed for the study Tuesday night at a meeting at the Urbana Fire Hall."
WAMU, October 9, 2008
"Regulators in Virginia have given the green light to a multi-state high-voltage power line proposed for the northern part of the state. The line would involve multi-story towers running from southwestern Pennsylvania across West Virginia and through Northern Virginia. State regulators approved the line over opposition from local groups such as the Piedmont Environmental Council who argued that while landowners in Virginia would have their land seized and scenic views would be spoiled, Virginians wouldn’t see much benefit."
Washington Post, October 8, 2008
"State regulators approved Dominion Virginia Power’s proposal yesterday to build a 65-mile transmission line through rural Northern Virginia, saying that the project is critical to delivering electricity to the power-hungry region and avoiding widespread blackouts...West Virginia officials have agreed to their portion, but Pennsylvania has not made a decision on the mile within its borders. A decision is expected any day, and a denial could derail the Virginia section. "
Winchester Star, October 8, 2008
"The Virginia State Corporation Commission gave its blessing Tuesday to a high-voltage power line that would travel across Northern Virginia. ...Christopher G. Miller, president of the Warrenton-based Piedmont Environmental Council that opposes the transmission line, remains hopeful that the project will not be approved by all of the state officials.
In a telephone interview Tuesday, Miller said that even the SCC’s Shannon had reservations about the project.
"
WAMU, October 9, 2008
"Regulators in Virginia have given the green light to a multi-state high-voltage power line proposed for the northern part of the state. The line would involve multi-story towers running from southwestern Pennsylvania across West Virginia and through Northern Virginia. State regulators approved the line over opposition from local groups such as the Piedmont Environmental Council who argued that while landowners in Virginia would have their land seized and scenic views would be spoiled, Virginians wouldn’t see much benefit."
C-Ville Weekly, September 30, 2008
"So, as you may have heard, there’s this ginormous new power line that’s been proposed for Northern Virginia.
This story is way too large, and tangled, for me to thoroughly cover in this space. But I can say three things: One, our local environmental defenders, the Piedmont Environmental Council, have been seriously on the case for a while now, agitating against the line on a number of fronts. "
, September 22, 2008
"About 38 West Virginia landowners have received letters reminding them that their property could be taken by eminent domain if they don’t negotiate with a company building a multistate power line.
Allegheny Energy says the letters were sent to landowners who haven’t engaged in any discussion about the company acquiring the right-of-way to their land."
Winchester Star, September 22, 2008
"Rep. Frank R. Wolf, R-10th, wants Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine to bring together a bipartisan group to examine the TrAIL power line across Northern Virginia.
The proposed Trans-Allegheny Interstate Line (TrAIL) power line — a joint project from Pennsylvania-based Allegheny Energy and Richmond-based Dominion Virginia Power — would stretch 240 miles from Washington County, Pa., to Loudoun County. "
, September 24, 2008
"Allegheny Energy Inc. on Monday raised the white flag, agreeing not to push further its proposed $1.2 billion high-voltage power line project through Washington and most of Greene counties.
Two state Public Utility Commission administrative law judges last month recommended the entire 240-mile project be scrapped. "
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, September 12, 2008
"Allegheny Energy Inc. has asked [PA] state regulators to postpone a decision on its controversial high-voltage transmission line project through Washington and Greene counties so it can explore "new and creative alternatives.""
Winchester Star, September 16, 2008
"Allegheny Energy Inc. is taking a two-pronged approach toward ensuring approval of its Trans-Allegheny Interstate Line (TrAIL) in Pennsylvania.
Company officials announced Monday that they filed a motion with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission last week requesting that TrAIL be considered as two projects — one that handles local electricity service in southwestern Pennsylvania, and the other the interstate portion that would travel into Virginia, said Doug Colafella, manager of corporate communications for Allegheny. "
Winchester Star, September 9, 2008
"Questions remain about whether Frederick County will be home to two large power lines intended to provide electricity to the Mid-Atlantic region.
The two projects are being recommended by PJM Interconnection LLC, which coordinates the movement of electricity in all or parts of 13 states and Washington, D.C., and serves about 51 million customers who use regional power suppliers such as Allegheny Energy.
"
CNN , August 22, 2008
"Two Pennsylvania judges have dealt a setback to efforts by power companies to build a major new Pennsylvania-Virginia power line, saying the line is unnecessary and that alternatives should have been considered."
Washington Post, August 21, 2008
"A former lawyer for Dominion Virginia Power who was appointed to a commission that oversees utilities has said he will not participate in deliberations over a 65-mile power line proposed by the company."
Washington Post, August 22, 2008
"Pennsylvania officials have recommended that authorities in that state reject a proposal by Dominion Virginia Power and another company to build a 240-mile transmission line that begins there and cuts through Northern Virginia."
Northern Virginia Daily, August 22, 2008
"Virginia may have given a controversial power line an initial "yes," but Pennsylvania has given it an initial "no."
In a ruling released late Thursday, regulatory judges in Pennsylvania recommended that the state’s Public Utilities Commission deny applications from Allegheny Power and Dominion Virginia power to build the Trans-Allegheny Interstate Line. A hearing examiner for the Virginia State Corporation Commission has recommended approval for the controversial power line, but only on the condition that West Virginia and Pennsylvania also sign off on the plan. "
Washington Post, August 19, 2008
"Some opponents of a 65-mile power line planned for Northern Virginia, including a congressman, are criticizing Gov. Timothy M. Kaine’s choice to fill a vacancy on a state commission that oversees utilities."
Northern Virginia Daily, August 20, 2008
"Democratic Gov. Timothy M. Kaine’s should reconsider his decision to appoint a lawyer representing Dominion Virginia to the State Corporation Commission, according to a local congressman.
Rep. Frank Wolf, R-10th, wrote to Kaine this week asking him to reconsider his appointment of James C. Dimitri, of Richmond-based law firm McGuire Woods, to a long-standing vacancy on the three-member regulatory body. "
Charleston Gazette, August 8, 2008
"Gov. Joe Manchin said Tuesday he hopes to tax new high-voltage transmission lines and use part of the revenue to offset electricity rate hikes that fund construction of such projects."
Winchester Star, July 10, 2008
"Additional data regarding the need for a proposed 240-mile power line between Pennsylvania and Loudoun County may make a recommendation easier for State Corporation Commission hearing examiner Alexander F. Skirpan Jr.
"
Washington Post, July 12, 2008
"Supporters and opponents of a $1 billion-plus transmission line planned for part of the Northern Shenandoah Valley took their case to Richmond for a second time this week.
The Virginia State Corporation Commission is considering whether to permit construction of the Trans-Allegheny Interstate Line from Frederick County to Loudoun County. "
Northern Virginia Daily, June 28, 2008
"Worst-case scenarios used by two utility companies to justify a new 500-kilovolt transmission across the Northern Shenandoah Valley are not realistic, according to opponents of the line.
That’s the upshot of papers filed by the Piedmont Environmental Council at the Virginia State Corporation Commission this week. "
Northern Virginia Daily, June 11, 2008
"Opponents of a proposed 500-kilovolt power line say they have new evidence that the line isn’t needed, and state regulators want to hear what they have to say.
A hearing examiner for the State Corporation Commission called for an additional evidentiary hearing later this month after Virginia’s Commitment, a group opposed to the line, said it has a study, performed for Maryland utility regulators, that proves the line isn’t needed. "
Chester PA Daily Local, May 14, 2008
"U.S. Sen. Bob Casey Jr., D-Pa., and senators from seven surrounding states are concerned about plans to speed construction of high-voltage transmission lines in Pennsylvania and adjacent states.
The senators are calling for a hearing before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on the U.S. Department of Energy’s plan to bring more electric power where it may be needed in the future. "
ABC 3, May 5, 2008
"The federal government should have no say in determining whether Dominion and Allegheny Power can erect power lines in Virginia and other states across the country.
At least that’s the opinion of six regional and national environmental groups.
They’re suing the federal government over the creation of ’National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors.’
"
Winchester Star, May 2, 2008
"The Piedmont Environmental Council has joined five regional and national environmental and historical preservation organizations in fighting the U.S. Department of Energy’s final designation of the Mid-Atlantic and Southwest National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors "
Winchester Star, April 14, 2008
"All the written closing arguments in the Virginia State Corporation Commission’s hearing on a proposed 500-kilovolt transmission line in Northern Virginia must be filed by May 19.
That deadline means all the parties that have had a part in the case must provide their closing arguments to the various testimony provided during the public hearings and evidentiary hearings by that date.
The joint effort by Allegheny Energy and Dominion Virginia Power would connect an electrical substation in Meadow Brook in Frederick County to another in Loudoun County.
"
The New York Times, April 9, 2008
"The founders of the Bhavana Society Forest Monastery came here looking for a slice of densely wooded land where Buddhist monks, nuns and lay people could meditate in sylvan surroundings....But 24 years after the Buddhists bought the land, they say that quietude is now threatened by plans for a $1.1 billion power line that would entail clear-cutting a 200-foot-wide swath of forest nearby.
The monastery is part of a battle in three states between two electric companies on the one hand and thousands of landowners and residents on the other over the 260-mile, 500-kilovolt transmission line."
ABC 3, March 20, 2008
"After four weeks of testimony and cross-examination, the power line evidentiary hearings in Richmond are over.
The administrative law judge now must pore over mounds of documents and statements, and make a very crucial recommendation to the State Corporation Commission.
Bob Lazaro, a spokesperson for the Piedmont Environmental Council who has been working on the case for years, acknowledged the judge’s decision could dictate the outcome in Virginia. "
ABC 3, February 26, 2008
"Bob Lazaro has spent the last two years at the Piedmont Environmental Council, researching the effects of a proposed power line- and building a case against it.
"We’ve made an investment, over $3 million in experts, time, effort and staff," said Lazaro. "At the end of the day, we think we’ll win."
Lazaro’s bold prediction comes as the evidentiary hearings get underway in Richmond.
Parties will bring in experts and evidence to analyze all the latest figures and projections. "
Washington Post, February 24, 2008
"Dominion Virginia Power, the state’s largest power company and a major force in the General Assembly, is facing what might be an unprecedented challenge to one of its planned transmission lines.Starting Monday, the company and its opponents will square off at hearings in Richmond over a proposal to erect a 65-mile power line, carried atop 15-story steel towers, that would send electricity surging east across farms and forests in Northern Virginia."
Winchester Star, February 26, 2008
"RICHMOND — A ratio heavy with witnesses and opening arguments opposing a proposed 40-mile 500-kilovolt power line — connecting an electrical substation at Meadow Brook, between Middletown and Stephens City, to another in Loudoun County — highlighted Monday’s first session of the Virginia State Corporation Commission’s evidentiary hearings on the utility request."
Winchester Star, February 27, 2008
"Although originally scheduled to last two days, the Virginia State Corporation Commission’s evidentiary hearing on a proposed 40-mile 500-kilovolt power line will last at least two weeks — and possibly longer.
Alexander F. Skirpan Jr., the SCC’s hearing examiner on the case, said on Monday that he would schedule testimony through March 7, and that more time would be added if necessary.
Andy Farmer, education resources manager for the SCC, said on Tuesday that he expects the evidentiary hearings to stretch into a third week. "Unless they really hurry up in cross-examination, it will last longer," he said.
"
Loudoun Times Mirror, February 28, 2008
"Dominion Virginia Power has no "Plan B" for an imperiled transmission line proposal through the Piedmont that would serve Northern Virginia’s growing demand for energy, a top company official admitted this week.
Failure to win multi-state approval for the project would force Dominion and its partner, Trail Co., back to the drawing board with little time to spare, Dominion Vice President for Electric Transmission John D. Smatlak said Feb. 25 during a Virginia State Corporation Commission hearing in Richmond. "
Rappahannock News, February 21, 2008
"Dominion Virginia Power started talking about building a transmission line through the Piedmont almost two years ago.
A lot has happened in the meantime.
Local governments, environmental and community groups and individuals have organized to try to kill the proposed 500,000-volt line, which would cut through Frederick, Warren, Rappahannock, Fauquier, Culpeper, Prince William and Loudoun counties.
They say the line, a project driven by greed rather than need, would scar the countryside.
"
Washington Post, January 25, 2008
"Two bills that would have addressed some concerns of critics about a high-voltage power line planned for Northern Virginia failed in a Senate subcommittee yesterday.
Both bills were introduced by freshman Sen. Jill Holtzman Vogel (R-Winchester), who had campaigned on the issue.
One would have required power lines to be buried, wherever technologically feasible.
The other would have required power companies to compensate landowners for the loss in property value because of a power line, even if it were not on their property.
"
Philadelphia Inquirer, January 11, 2008
"Eleven regional and national environmental groups began legal action yesterday over the U.S. Department of Energy’s designation of a wide swath of the Mid-Atlantic as a "national interest" electric transmission corridor. The designation fast-tracks the process for putting up new high-power transmission lines and, in some cases, could supersede what is currently state control over whether and where to build them...A similar challenge will be filed Monday...said members of the National Wildlife Federation and the Piedmont Environmental Council in Virginia, which are leading the effort."
West Va. Public Broadcasting, December 12, 2007
"Opponents of a proposed power line through West Virginia have gained a new ally – the staff of the state Public Service Commission.
Allegheny Energy and its subsidiary, TrailCo, want the line to connect coal plants in West Virginia with the cities of the East Coast... But first, the company needs approval from the West Virginia Public Service Commission. The PSC asked its staff and two independent consultants to study the project. They all came to the same conclusion: the data doesn’t justify building a new power line. "
ABC 3, December 12, 2007
"Thousands of Virginians testified this summer against the power line proposed by Dominion and Allegheny Power. They spoke with the hope that their words would sway the State Corporation Commission to reject the line. The federal government stepped in, however, and declared this area part of a National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor... A rehearing will be granted, and that has Congressman Frank Wolf- one of the foremost voices against the power lines- feeling more upbeat."
Winchester Star, December 12, 2007
"Strong opposition to a proposed power line connecting Pennsylvania and West Virginia to Virginia may thwart a joint proposed project from Allegheny Energy and Dominion Virginia Power.
Residents have until the end of the business day on Friday to send in their comments regarding the 40-mile Trans-Allegheny Interstate Line (TrAIL), which would begin in Frederick County before passing through Warren, Rappahannock, Fauquier, Culpeper, and Prince William counties on its way to Loudoun County.
"
ABC 7, November 26, 2007
"Gov. Joe Manchin wants more information before taking a position on Allegheny Energy’s plan to build a 240-mile, 500-kilovolt transmission line through West Virginia. Manchin wants to know how much state’s ratepayers would have to pay to support the line that would serve portions of the Eastern seaboard and whether the rates can be reduced.
He also wants assurances that landowners would receive fair compensation for property located along the line’s route. And he wonders whether the project would increase the state’s tax base. "
Reston Times, November 29, 2007
"Piedmont Environmental Council to host community meetings Dec. 6 and 11
The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) has announced that it will again host two community meetings to update residents on issues related to the high-voltage, transmission line sought by Dominion Virginia Power and TrAILCo."
Houston Chronicle, November 6, 2007
"Gov. Ed Rendell and state utility regulators challenged the federal government’s inclusion of 52 Pennsylvania counties in a regional corridor where states could lose the ability to stop high-voltage power lines from being built.
The corridor’s boundaries are far broader than intended by Congress, going so far as to include parts of the state that have no electric transmission problems, the Pennsylvania officials said."
Culpeper Star-Exponent, October 9, 2007
"The Culpeper County Board of Supervisors doesn’t dispute Dominion Virginia Power’s need for a more powerful transmission line. Board members just don’t want that line in their county, even if they might reap some of its benefits.
In fact, the supervisors yesterday went on record opposing Dominion’s recent decision to bring the 500 kilovolt lines along existing right-of-way though the Jeffersonton area, unanimously passing a resolution to that effect.
"
Fauquier Times-Democrat, October 10, 2007
"The news on Dominion Power’s proposed power line was mixed last week, but still a downer. To the surprise of some and the disappointment of many, the U. S. Department of Energy has gone ahead with its designation of the Mid-Atlantic National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor (NIETC), which includes the region targeted for Dominion’s 500-kV powerline."
Baltimore Sun, October 3, 2007
"The Energy Department designated Maryland and most of the Mid-Atlantic yesterday as part of a national corridor targeted for new power lines, giving federal regulators authority to overrule state objections to utility projects deemed critical to keeping the lights on...[PEC’s Bob] Lazaro echoed industry officials who say the order is likely to face legal challenges from states and environmental groups opposed to the creation of transmission corridors."
Leesburg Today, October 3, 2007
"In a widely anticipated-and feared-move, the U.S. Department of Energy today formally designated two National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors-one that will include all of Loudoun.
The action permits federal authorities to overturn the action of state regulators in determining where power lines may be constructed."
Culpeper Star-Exponent, October 3, 2007
"The federal government moved Tuesday to ensure a nonstop flow of electricity by designating large corridors of the Southwest and Mid-Atlantic as critical to the nation's energy grid.
The U.S. Department of Energy briefed officials on so-called “national interest electric transmission corridors– in 10 states and outlined its decision for the finalized power line construction zones to various congressional offices on Capitol Hill.
The original proposal - which affects northern Culpeper County and much of Fauquier County - remains largely unchanged.
"
Washington Post, October 3, 2007
"The federal government announced yesterday that it was giving power companies new leverage to force landowners to permit the installation of electric transmission lines...Giving power companies the right to go over the heads of local officials is "eminently unfair," said Robert Lazaro, a spokesman for the Piedmont Environmental Council, an activist group that has opposed the proposed power line.
"
Rappahannock News, October 4, 2007
"Del. Todd Gilbert is putting his money where his mouth is.
The man who represents Rappahannock County in the State House of Delegates is using campaign contributions from Allegheny Power and Dominion Virginia Power to fight the utilities’ proposal to build an additional 500,000-volt electric corridor through the county.
"
Washington Post, September 21, 2007
"Virginia utility regulators have asked for more time to study whether Dominion Virginia Power should be allowed to build a high-voltage power line through a 65-mile stretch of rural Northern Virginia.
The staff of the State Corporation Commission has asked the commission, which approves power lines, to postpone arguments scheduled for Jan. 14. "
Fauquier Times-Democrat, September 26, 2007
"He called the report a "sneak preview" of the "full case" against the proposed 500,000-volt transmission line through the Piedmont.
Titled "How Dominion and Allegheny Got it Wrong," the 23-page Piedmont Environmental Council study seeks to systematically present "the other side" of the story to Dominion Virginia Power’s arguments for the line, staffer Robert G. Marmet said.
"
Rappahannock News, September 12, 2007
"The most frequently asked question about Dominion Virginia Power’s proposed power line route that slices through northern Culpeper County and eastern Rappahannock is why didn’t we know about this earlier?
"
Rappahannock News, August 22, 2007
"The public has had their chance to tell the State Corporation Commission what they think about Allegheny Power and Dominion Virginia Power’s plan to string more power lines through Rappahannock and other counties in the Piedmont and Shenandoah Valley...Now that the public hearings are over, the power-line issue transitions mainly into the hands of the organizations and counties that have registered to be official parties at the SCC’s proceedings in January in Richmond. In the meantime, people can submit their opinions on the power-line proposal in writing to the SCC..."
Washington Post, August 13, 2007
"Barbara Vetter cradled her 6-week-old daughter and wept as she gave testimony against the possibility of having 130-feet-tall transmission towers run near her home. She fears that the lines could pose health risks to her young family.
"I know everyone has mentioned property values, and part of it is cosmetic," Vetter said after the hearing. "But inherent in the decreased property values is the potential health risks.""
Potomac News, August 10, 2007
"Dominion isn’t doing enough to curb the problem of global warming, according to the Virginia chapter of the Sierra Club, despite the energy company’s investment in a wind farm in West Virginia and renewable power generation throughout the state.
The Sierra Club took its best shot against Dominion Thursday night at a hearing related to Dominion’s application to expand its power line transmission network through Virginia."
Winchester Star, August 15, 2007
" After two days of testimony from 43 area residents about a controversial power line plan, Alexander F. Skirpan Jr. will hear some more today.
But the State Corporation Commission hearing examiner will move his location to Front Royal. Skirpan heard from the last group of people attending the public hearings at James Wood High School on Tuesday.
Their comments were similar to those heard earlier: neither Dominion Virginia Power nor Allegheny Energy have shown the need for the proposed 550-kilovolt transmission line that would be installed between Frederick County and Loudoun County.
"
Culpeper Star-Exponent, August 6, 2007
"Residents of East Chandler Street have mixed feelings regarding Dominion's proposal to raise their towers 30 feet taller.
The project would span about seven miles from the edge of town to Stevensburg.
A row of eight East Chandler Street homes seem out of place in an industrial-looking area near the railroad tracks, a current substation and adjacent to Culpeper National Cemetery. "
NBC4, July 27, 2007
"Dominion Proposes 65-Miles Of Power Lines.
The first public hearing about power lines proposed in Virginia draws supporters and opponents."
Winchester Star, August 2, 2007
"Area residents will soon get a chance to voice their opinions about a 550-kilovolt transmission line that may pass through Frederick County.
Local public hearings on the proposal are scheduled from Aug. 13 through 16.
More than 100 people spoke at a similar SCC hearing in Warrenton last week regarding the application for a transmission line connecting substations in Frederick and Loudoun counties.
"
Winchester Star, August 2, 2007
"At least 125 area citizens wanted to learn more about the proposed 500-kilovolt transmission power line between Frederick County and Loudoun County.
So they attended a Preserve Frederick public briefing on Wednesday evening at the Wayside Inn.
The gathering, made up almost entirely of opponents to the line, heard from Piedmont Environmental Council President Christopher G. Miller, who provided information about the potential impact of the proposed line, a joint project of Dominion Virginia Power and Allegheny Energy."
Fauquier Times-Democrat, July 24, 2007
"During the next two weeks, the State Corporation Commission will hold public hearings on Dominion Virginia Power’s proposal for a 500,000-volt transmission line through the Piedmont.
"
Fauquier Times-Democrat, July 24, 2007
"Expect something like a courtroom atmosphere.
Those who speak at the State Corporation Commission public hearings on Dominion Virginia Power’s proposed power line will be sworn in, asked to state their names and addresses and may even be questioned by a hearing examiner and lawyers, spokesman Andy Farmer said.
"People need to be aware of this and not be surprised," he added.
"
Culpeper Star-Exponent, July 26, 2007
"Today, the State Corporation Commission is hosting the first of four public hearings regarding Dominion's 500-kilovolt power line proposal.
Beginning at 1:30 p.m. in the auditorium of Fauquier High School, the meeting will last until 8 p.m. and then reconvene Friday from 9:30 a.m. until noon.
In April, Richmond-based Dominion filed its application with the SCC, which is tasked with determining the need for a new transmission line and where it would be located if needed."
Washington Post, July 26, 2007
"Critics of a high-voltage power line planned for Northern Virginia prepared Sunday to take aim at the project -- literally and figuratively -- during a picnic sponsored by the Piedmont Environmental Council...The picnic came just days before the State Corporation Commission, the agency that approves power lines, begins its series of public hearings on the project. The first hearings will take place at Fauquier High School in Warrenton, at 1:30 and 7 p.m. today and 9:30 a.m. tomorrow."
Philadelphia Inquirer, July 16, 2007
"...The Department of Energy has proposed designating a swath of land from metropolitan New York through northern Virginia...as a corridor of "national interest." Currently, states decide whether and where transmission lines can be built. With the new designation, federal officials could, in certain situations, overrule the states. The plan has already sparked cries of protest from citizens, state governments and activists, many of whom worry that the move would discourage creative conservation and alternative fuels at a time when both should be a top priority."
WTOP, July 16, 2007
"Apple trees have been planted, wood fences restored and power lines buried in recent years to transform the Civil War battlefield in Gettysburg to the way it looked when Union and Confederate forces clashed on farmers’ fields in 1863. But preservationists now worry that the national military park in Pennsylvania’s picturesque fruit belt soon may be in the shadow of high-powered transmission lines. It is not just Gettysburg that worries them as a result of a 2005 law that gave federal regulators new authority over where power lines are built. "
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, July 16, 2007
"About 200 Washington and Greene county residents turned out Wednesday night at the Washington County Fairgrounds to hear updates about a proposed high-voltage electric transmission line and to find out how to join a lawsuit to stop it."
The Philadelphia Inquirer, July 16, 2007
"Apple trees have been planted, wood fences restored and power lines buried in recent years to transform the Civil War battlefield in Gettysburg to the way it looked when Union and Confederate forces clashed on farmers’ fields in 1863.
But preservationists now worry that the national military park in Pennsylvania’s picturesque fruit belt soon may be in the shadow of high-powered transmission lines."
Fauquier Times-Democrat, July 16, 2007
"He described Tuesday night’s anti-power line meeting as part tutorial, part pep rally.
"We want to get out as much information as possible," Fauquier County Board of Supervisors Vice Chairman Ray Graham (Cedar Run District) said of the July 17 gathering at Warrenton’s Fauquier High School. "We’re going to talk about what people can expect, going before the State Corporation Commission hearings."
The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. "
Wall Street Journal, July 10, 2007
"Utilities are rolling out more programs than ever to help consumers cut their energy use, motivated by cost considerations, pressure from regulators and increased consumer acceptance. In doing so, they hope to cut greenhouse-gas emissions from power plants, forestall the need for building new plants and put a brake on rising electricity costs.Moving beyond traditional rebate programs, utilities are putting sophisticated tools in consumers’ hands, such as online calculators, advanced electric meters, in-home displays, remote-control devices and innovative pricing plans."
Washington Post, July 12, 2007
"Pepco has completed construction of two high-voltage transmission lines, an addition that officials in Alexandria hope will result in reduced use of the coal-fired Mirant power plant on the Potomac River.
The city has long sought to shut down the power plant, which many residents say is a health concern and an eyesore. But federal officials have said the plant, which supplies power to Pepco customers in Maryland and the District -- including dozens of federal agencies -- is vital to the region’s power grid and to national security."
NBC 4, July 11, 2007
"Dozens of Stafford County residents headed to Richmond on Wednesday to weigh in on a controversial power line project.
At issue is a five-mile power line that Dominion Virginia Power wants to build across part of the county. However, residents said the power line would be an eyesore, and they have begun pushing for an underground power line as an alternative."
Fauquier Times-Democrat, July 10, 2007
" The following letter has been sent to Theodore V. Morrison, chairman of the Virginia State Corporate Commission.
Dear Chairman Morrison:
The purpose of this letter is to express my opposition to Dominion Virginia Power’s proposed power line to be built in Culpeper, Fauquier, and Rappahannock counties. It is critically important to consider the need of this line to serve Virginia’s residents as the State Corporation Commission reviews Dominion’s application."
Rappahannock News, July 10, 2007
"A new player is entering the fracas over Dominion Virginia Power’s proposal to string more 500,000-volt power lines through Culpeper, Fauquier, Prince William and Rappahannock counties.
The group, called the Power-line Landowners Alliance, is made up of citizens that own property under or near Dominion’s existing 500,000-volt electric corridor.
"
Culpeper Star-Exponent, July 2, 2007
"...Here's what Cantor had to say about: ...The Dominion Virginia Power proposal for Culpeper: ...We should be trying to work with the power company to make sure the impact is as minimal as possible.
The SCC will have to decide what best fills the need, and as I said last time as Virginia continues to grow we need more power. (Note: Since 2000, Dominion Resources has been the top contributor to Cantor's campaign, donating $98,647, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.)"
Washington Post, June 23, 2007
"A new high-voltage line that would deliver electricity to the growing mid-Atlantic region could stretch across parts of Western Maryland and end just shy of the Montgomery County line under a plan endorsed yesterday by the operator of the region’s electricity grid."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, June 24, 2007
" Plans for a high-voltage power line through Washington and Greene counties have met with heavy opposition from property owners, creating what has been estimated by local officials to be the loudest citizens outcry in a generation.
But one group of residents in particular has mobilized to fight the plan like no other. Parents."
Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star, June 26, 2007
"It’s just a few weeks before the state decides where a controversial power line could be built in Stafford County.
Dominion Virginia Power plans to build the line five miles westward from Aquia Harbour to Mountain View Road.
Its application to the State Corporation Commission includes both overhead and underground proposals.
But the SCC will decide the line’s fate after evidentiary hearings in Richmond next month.
"
Bacon's Rebellion, June 20, 2007
"No fantastical technology, green or otherwise, can keep the world on its increasingly energy-intensive development path. We need to get serious about conservation."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, June 14, 2007
"More than 70 speakers, including politicians’ representatives, landowners and homeowners testified Wednesday that designating a huge swath of seven Mid-Atlantic states to locate transmission lines is wrong.
Most added that Allegheny Energy Inc.’s proposed $1 billion, 240-mile transmission line project, which would fall within the so-called National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor, was an even worse idea. The line runs through Washington and Greene counties into West Virginia, then east into Virginia. "
Potomac News, June 5, 2007
"People who want to get in their two-cents about the proposed Dominion Virginia power line will have their chance in August at Marsteller Middle School at 14000 Sudley Manor Drive in Bristow.
The State Corporation Commission will begin the hearing at the middle school at 1:30 p.m. Aug. 9. The hearing will reconvene at 7 p.m. and continue at 9:30 a.m. Aug. 10, according to a recent commission press release.
Dominion Virginia Power wants to build a 240-mile, 500-kilovolt power line from West Virginia to Loudoun County."
Penn Live, May 28, 2007
"The farmhouse Deb Bandel built with her husband in this southwest corner of Pennsylvania was meant to be a peaceful retreat from the bustle of the outside world.
But a fixture of modern life may soon carve a path through their lush 60-acre property: a buzzing, crackling high-voltage power line...The line is part of a larger project to build a 240-mile transmission line that would pass through West Virginia and continue to northern Virginia
"
Washington Post, May 31, 2007
"Virginians could curb their energy consumption by 10 percent with techniques used routinely in other states, reducing the need for new power plants and lines, according to a report by an environmental consulting group.
The report, prepared by Summit Blue Inc. of Colorado and paid for by the Piedmont Environmental Council, recommends a variety of policy changes, including offering financial incentives for residents and businesses that install energy-efficient lighting, air conditioners and heaters, and that incorporate efficient design into their buildings."
Gainesville Times, May 24, 2007
"It was a small but dedicated group who turned out at Alvey Elementary School in Haymarket last Thursday to find out what specific steps they can take to stop Dominion Virginia Power’s proposed line through western Prince William County.
"
Leesburg Today, May 21, 2007
"
The U.S. Department of Energy’s push to designate broad swaths of eight eastern states and the District of Columbia as one of two National Interest Electric Corridors is meeting some stiff opposition in Congress.
Trumpeting interference with states’ rights, several federal and state legislators, including Frank R. Wolf (R-VA-10) and Del. Bob Marshall (R-13), are pushing back, demanding that the DOE must give states a say in the corridor designation process.
"
Washington Times, May 16, 2007
"Several hundred Northern Virginia residents and officials packed an Arlington hotel ballroom yesterday to protest the Energy Department’s proposal to build an electrical transmission line through Northern Virginia... The Energy Department’s designation imposes unfairly on rural areas, said Robert Miller, a member of the Madison County Board of Supervisors, who wore a white hard hat with a power-line tower on top.
"It signals the end of 100 years of voluntary conservation," he said. "
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