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Asterisk Denotes Breaking NewsWolf: PATH leading nowhere
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Congressman urges SCC to pull plug on power line
By James Heffernan -- jheffernan@nvdaily.com
Two power companies' latest application to build a high-voltage transmission line through Frederick County that would serve the Washington area and points northeast has done nothing to sway a local congressman's opposition to the project.
In a letter Tuesday, Rep. Frank Wolf, R-10th, says the proposed 275-mile Potomac Appalachian Transmission Highline remains "ill-conceived," and he urges the State Corporation Commission to suspend proceedings in the case and reject the application outright.
"I have been vocal in my long-held opposition to this project, and have yet to see anything to convince me that our region needs this transmission project," Wolf writes.
The congressman attended a public hearing on the issue in Winchester in 2009.
American Electric Power and Allegheny Energy Inc. recently filed a new application with the commission after withdrawing their initial filing in January. But SCC officials have determined the latest application to be incomplete, saying it lacks a completed Regional Transmission Expansion Plan and other detailed analyses from grid manager PJM Interconnection.
"I cannot see how any decision, short of an outright rejection of the application, can be made without a full understanding of the region's transmission plans," Wolf writes.
"Building massive transmission lines is an issue of critical importance in my congressional district," he continues. "It directly affects thousands of my constituents who live in the vicinity of these planned lines and who will pay higher rates to fund increased transmission service that will benefit areas other than Virginia."
Wolf adds that he has not seen any reports that residents of Frederick, Clarke and Loudoun counties are suffering from inadequate electricity.
"We are left to assume that any benefits from this line will be shipped to other regions along the East Coast, while our region will only see huge, ugly towers strung with wire dotting the countryside, parks and backyards of the places we call home."
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Blah blah blah blah blahhh.
When I look out my window, I can’t see Russia, but the power line I now see is proof of Mr. Wolf’s effectiveness at stopping power lines. Mr. Wolf said the same things when the previous power line through Frederick County was proposed, passed, and built. Why should we believe the same song and dance would be effective this time? The power needs of the Boston-Washington corridor trumps the scenic viewshed preservation wants of a few local country bumpkins. We’re screwed. Quarry expansion? We’re screwed. Tax increases? We’re screwed.
Ever the politician mindful of re-election, Wolf will merely posture and pose himself as our champion fighting the good fight. You know, I know, and Wolf knows in the long run he will be totally ineffective preventing the construction of this new power line. The re-election sound bites will be awesome proof of Wolf’s failure and a springboard for sending him back to plow the homestead fields.