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Governor's race
by Grubb, Karen 12 Sep '08

12 Sep '08

http://www.wvgazette.com/News/200809100852 "We've gotten our state in the best shape we've ever had in the history of our state," Manchin told Gazette editors Wednesday. Meanwhile, Mountain Party candidate Jesse Johnson said the state has lost direction and failed to fulfill its social contract with the people. "I'm concerned about the direction which our state and our nation has taken," said Johnson, an actor/director who was also the small party's gubernatorial candidate in 2004. "Business as usual is very dangerous." He said state government needs to be accountable. "We're not seeing the kind of leadership we significantly need," he said. Manchin stressed new coal technologies, including a planned $800 million coal-to-liquids facility in the Northern Panhandle, as an important step toward energy independence. Johnson dismissed the project as an expensive "experiment" and chastised Manchin for approving up to $200 million in tax credits for the project. "Why would we continue investments in areas that are not popular with the people, that are not conducive with fighting global warming, and will continue to bury our headwaters?" Johnson asked. "Johnson said he believes West Virginia can be a key energy state, but said the focus should be on developing the "tremendous potential" for wind, solar and other alternative energy sources." http://www.wvgazette.com/News/200809100852

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Fw: Allegheny Energy Files Proposal on Pennsylvania Transmission Project
by James Kotcon 12 Sep '08

12 Sep '08

Bill, et al. I think we should file a response in PA to let them know that we oppose TrAILCo and their proposed approval of the 1.2-mile segment between the 502 Junction and the WV State Line. We have filed appeals of the WV certificate approval, and a premature approval of the PA segment would bias consideration of our appeals. Further, it would be useful to fully document TrAILCo's behind-the-scenes negotiations and tactics, and their efforts to cut some opponents out of the process, while buying off others with legalized bribes (using ratepayers money to do it), as happened here. I can draft a letter to that effect, if you think it is useful. Alternatively, a formal legal response might be more appropriate. Whaddya Tink? JBK >>> Letty Butcher <multiflora123(a)yahoo.com> 9/11/2008 9:20 AM >>> --- On Wed, 9/10/08, Wojtowicz, Ralph <wojtowicz(a)metsci.com> wrote: From: Wojtowicz, Ralph <wojtowicz(a)metsci.com> Subject: Allegheny Energy Files Proposal on Pennsylvania Transmission Project To: "Wojtowicz, Ralph" <wojtowicz(a)metsci.com>, cesunlight(a)earthlink.net, multiflora123(a)yahoo.com, roecalvert(a)hughes.net, michael(a)troutdesign.com, billgolemon(a)frontiernet.net, bgkessinger(a)comcast.net, kward(a)wvgazette.com, news(a)hampshirereview.com, news(a)moorefieldexaminer.com, news(a)grantcountypress.com, WVBiker98(a)aol.com Cc: mpisciotta(a)citynet.net, bwest(a)pecva.org, thomas(a)theshepherdstownobserver.com, cesunlight(a)earthlink.net, news(a)morganmessenger.com, news(a)dominionpost.com, newsroom(a)therepublicannes.com Date: Wednesday, September 10, 2008, 7:45 PM Please forward. Allegheny Energy Files Proposal on Pennsylvania Transmission Project GREENSBURG, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 10, 2008--Allegheny Energy, Inc. (NYSE:AYE) announced today that its Trans-Allegheny Interstate Line Company (TrAILCo) subsidiary filed a motion with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to defer any decision on a portion of its proposed transmission line project, the Trans-Allegheny Interstate Line. The request will allow the company to pursue a more collaborative process to explore whether there are new and creative alternatives to the proposed 36-mile portion of the 500 kilovolt line in Greene and Washington counties and related facilities. The company's motion also requests that the Commission timely approve a 1.2 mile section of 500 kilovolt line extending from the West Virginia border to a new substation in Greene County, Pennsylvania known as 502 Junction. This portion of the project addresses critical reliability concerns that could adversely impact the mid-Atlantic region, including Pennsylvania electric customers, as early as 2011. The motion is intended to be considered in conjunction with exceptions filed today by TrAILCo in response to two Administrative Law Judges' recent recommendation that the company's application be denied in Pennsylvania. In its exceptions, TrAILCo also explicitly asks the Commission to reverse the recommended decision of the Judges and approve the 1.2 mile segment between the West Virginia state line and 502 Junction.

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Fwd: Public News Service-WVNS story for September 10, 2008 Help Wanted Report: 12, 000
by Paul Wilson 10 Sep '08

10 Sep '08

fyi, paul ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Public News Service <wvns(a)publicnewsservice.org> Date: Wed, Sep 10, 2008 at 10:58 AM Subject: Public News Service-WVNS story for September 10, 2008 Help Wanted Report: 12,000 To: pjgrunt(a)gmail.com Public News Service-WV September 10, 2008 Help Wanted Report: 12,000 New Jobs for West Virginia Charleston, WV – The lure is thousands of new jobs, combined with a "cure" for climate change, pollution, and a broken economy. A new report from the University of Massachusetts documents how investing in a "green" economy would create more than 12,000 good-paying jobs in West Virginia, and bring benefits to taxpayers as well as to the environment. The study sets up a $100 billion investment scenario, with most of the money coming from climate change pollution cap-and-trade investments. Cathy Duvall with the Sierra Club says the time is right for investing in an eco-friendly economic stimulus. "This report really demonstrates that the solutions to the problems of climate change and a struggling economy are both intertwined and within our grasp." Duvall argues that doing the same old things on energy and economic policies isn't going to reverse the current situation, and a whole new approach would benefit working families. "By addressing our country's energy crisis and the high cost of oil, we can create manufacturing and other jobs to replace some of the more than 600,000 jobs lost in this last year alone." The study shows jobs created would include steelworkers, machinists, roofers and accountants. Critics of the report say the numbers are "overly optimistic" and wouldn't meet growing energy demand. The report was written by the Political Economy Research Institute and commissioned by the Center for American Progress. The full report is available online at www.peri.umass.edu. Click here to view this story on the Public News Service RSS site and access an audio version of this and other stories: http://www.publicnewsservice.org/index.php?/content/article/6420-1 The broadcaster version of the story can be viewed by clicking here: http://www.newsservice.org/pdfStory.php?StoryGroup=6420&stories=1 --- To be removed from this list please send an e-mail to remove(a)publicnewsservice.org and put the word "remove" in the subject line. -- Paul Wilson Sierra Club 504 Jefferson Ave Charles Town, WV 25414-1130 Phone: 304-725-4360 Cell: 304-279-6975

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Fwd: Join Teleforum with T. Boone Pickens and Carl Pope
by Jonathan Rosenbaum 09 Sep '08

09 Sep '08

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Fw: PATH aerial maps available online
by Grubb, Karen 08 Sep '08

08 Sep '08

From: wvec-board(a)yahoogroups.com [mailto:wvec-board@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of cindyrank Sent: Monday, September 08, 2008 8:07 PM To: WVHCBOARD(a)yahoogroups.com Cc: Margo; Kathleen; Ron Picker; wvec-board(a)yahoogroups.com Subject: [wvec-board] Fw: PATH aerial maps available online ----- Original Message ----- From: PATH News <mailto:askpath@pathtransmission.com> To: clrank(a)hughes.net Sent: Monday, September 08, 2008 1:31 PM Subject: PATH aerial maps available online Error! Filename not specified. Dear PATH Subscriber, More than 750 maps - featuring detailed aerial views with alternative routes under consideration for the PATH line - now are available on the project website. These are printable versions of the same property maps that were on display at the public open house meetings in Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia. Click on the link below to access the site's "maps" page. http://www.pathtransmission.com/maps/default.asp <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=14315697&msgid=208031&act=C2D P&c=204053&admin=0&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pathtransmission.com%2Fm aps%2Fdefault.asp> The maps are designed to help property owners and other interested parties learn more about the alternatives under consideration for the line segments. Just follow the directions on the website to locate and view a specific map. To submit online comments about the project, go to the "Contact Us" section of the PATH website or click on the link below. http://www.pathtransmission.com/contact/default.asp <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=14315697&msgid=208031&act=C2D P&c=204053&admin=0&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pathtransmission.com%2Fc ontact%2Fdefault.asp> This message was sent from PATH News to clrank(a)hughes.net. It was sent from: PATH, 800 Cabin Hill Drive , Greensburg, PA 15601 . You can modify/update your subscription via the link below. <http://www.icontact.com/a.pl/144186>

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Fwd: September story calendar gathering
by Paul Wilson 06 Sep '08

06 Sep '08

fyi, paul time to get in some stories ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Public NewsService Web Site <wvns(a)publicnewsservice.org> Date: Fri, Sep 5, 2008 at 12:31 PM Subject: September story calendar gathering To: pjgrunt(a)gmail.com Hi there! We're putting together the story calendar for September....please let me know if you have events/reports/reax to national news or local news/campaigns/initiatives that are in the public interest. We have openings on the story calendar as soon as MONDAY. I also have some thoughts to share to help in brainstorming - I received a tip sheet from a mental health group about dealing with the mental health aspects of the foreclosure crisis - something that has not been addressed in the news, but is important since a home is more than a building. The loss is a big mental health issue for some people, and children. Congress is back to work - and there are a lot of things on the plate you might be following, it's a good time for a story. Farmers are "flying in" to Congress next week - to talk about the Farm Bill, and trying to make sure it doesn't get dismantled with "rule making." I like to call it the Food and Farm Bill - since there are topics in the bill that touch every one of us. Conventions are over, the campaign trail is hot - are Americans hearing what they need to hear on their personal crises: health care, economy. Kids are back in school - surprises for parents, teachers, administrators? Step Up for Kids is September 16 The public is using libraries more as the economy weakens, basically "free" entertainment. It's National Suicide Prevention Week - a topic still tainted by stigma and lack of mental health resources. Statistics show young people, especially those in college, entertain thoughts of suicide at a high rate. The suicide rate is also very high for Iraq war vets. September is...National Healthy Aging Month, National Hispanic Heritage Month, National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, Hunger Action Month, National Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month, National Preparedness Month, ADHD Awareness Month, Baby Safety Month, Backpack Safety America Month, Library Card Sign-Up Month, Patriot Day is September 11th, Citizenship/Constitution Day is September 17th, America's Day for Kids is September 20th - I have a LONG list of these notes, which can be used as "pegs" for stories on related topics that you might be following. Deborah Courson Smith/ Regional Editor West Virginia News Service 888-692-8362 www.publicnewsservice.org --- To be removed from this list please send an e-mail to remove(a)publicnewsservice.org and put the word "remove" in the subject line. -- Paul Wilson Sierra Club 504 Jefferson Ave Charles Town, WV 25414-1130 Phone: 304-725-4360 Cell: 304-279-6975

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Fw: Hooray! Western Greenbrier CoGen plant is dead
by Jim Sconyers 04 Sep '08

04 Sep '08

Victory over dirty coal-fired power plant. Jim Sconyers jim_scon(a)yahoo.com 603.969.6712 Remember: Mother Nature bats last. ----- Forwarded Message ---- From: Bill Price <bill.price(a)sierraclub.org> To: aaron.isherwood(a)sierraclub.org; David Muhly <vafw(a)naxs.net>; Jim Sconyers <jim_scon(a)yahoo.com>; Regina Hendrix <regina1936(a)verizon.net>; Oliver <oliver.bernstein(a)sierraclub.org>; COAL-CAMPAIGN-ALERTS(a)LISTS.SIERRACLUB.ORG; Lauren.Trevisan(a)sierraclub.org; leslie.fields(a)sierraclub.org Sent: Tuesday, September 2, 2008 10:07:50 PM Subject: Fw: Hooray! Western Greenbrier CoGen plant is dead FYI A nice victory in WV. Bill Price, Sierra Club EJ Program 922 Quarrier Street, Suite 304 Charleston , WV 25311 Phone 304-342-3182 Cell 304-389-8822 Fax 304-342-3183 ________________________________ ----- Original Message ----- From:Elizabeth Little To:WVHCBOARD@yahoogrou ps.com Sent:Tuesday, September 02, 2008 8:12 PM Subject:[WVHCBOARD] Hooray! Western Greenbrier CoGen plant is dead I received word from Jim Zoia's office that the DOE has declared that the project "is not moving forward." That's the third coal fired power plant we have defeated in the Greenbrier Valley. __._,_.___ Messages in this topic (1) Reply (via web post) | Start a new topic Messages | Files | Photos | Links | Database | Polls | Members | Calendar Change settings via the Web (Yahoo! ID required) Change settings via email: Switch delivery to Daily Digest | Switch format to Traditional Visit Your Group | Yahoo! Groups Terms of Use | Unsubscribe Visit Your Group Yahoo! News Kevin Sites Get coverage of world crises. Yahoo! Groups Real Food Group Share recipes and favorite meals. Dog Zone on Yahoo! Groups Join a Group all about dogs. . __,_._,___

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FW: [wvec-board] TrAIL trials in PA --- Allegheny Energy remains on course with plan for power line in Washington, Greene counties
by Grubb, Karen 03 Sep '08

03 Sep '08

From: wvec-board(a)yahoogroups.com [mailto:wvec-board@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Carol Warren Sent: Wednesday, September 03, 2008 11:47 AM To: wvec-board(a)yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [wvec-board] TrAIL trials in PA --- Allegheny Energy remains on course with plan for power line in Washington, Greene counties Well, thank goodness somebody has the guts to stand up to them. I can't believe WV caved in after such a good start! On Wed, Sep 3, 2008 at 11:36 AM, cindyrank <clrank(a)hughes.net> wrote: How gross that WV gets to be the leader in this debacle ! Allegheny Power spokesman: It's even more of a let-down, Mr. Colafella said, because the proposed rejection contrasts so much from the decision to approve the project in West Virginia and a recommendation to do so in Virginia. "They agreed it's needed -- that's why we're so terribly disappointed in the Pennsylvania decision," he said, referring to opinions from other states ------------------------------------------ http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08244/907748-58.stm Allegheny Energy remains on course with plan for power line in Washington, Greene counties Sunday, August 31, 2008 By Janice Crompton, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Allegheny Power is standing by its plans to construct a high-voltage power line through Washington and Greene counties despite a resolute recommendation against the project. State Public Utility Commission administrative law judges Mark A. Hoyer and Michael A. Nemec gave a scolding rebuke to the utility over its plans for the 37-mile, 500-kilovolt power line, saying it wasn't needed. They added that a companion project for a power line from Greene County to Virginia was an effort to ship "cheaper coal-fired generation" along an "energy superhighway" to the east. The judges, whose recommendation will be considered by the five-member PUC commission next month, also took issue with the power company over its wisdom to situate the massive power lines near so many residences, its lack of research on environmental impacts, and its disregard for the affects of electromagnetic fields. The $1.1 billion project could be scuttled if the PUC denies the Greensburg-based company's application to build the power lines in Pennsylvania, because even though West Virginia approved the project earlier this month -- and Virginia is on track to do so, too -- both states have said the project won't get the final go-ahead until it's been approved by all three states. The 364-page recommendation released Aug. 21 was "very disappointing," said company spokesman Doug Colafella. It's even more of a let-down, Mr. Colafella said, because the proposed rejection contrasts so much from the decision to approve the project in West Virginia and a recommendation to do so in Virginia. "They agreed it's needed -- that's why we're so terribly disappointed in the Pennsylvania decision," he said, referring to opinions from other states. The judges even warned against approving the Allegheny Energy subsidiary, Trans-Allegheny Interstate Line Co., or TrAILCo as it is known, as a public utility, saying it was an out-of-state corporation with no full-time employees or discernible assets. Allegheny Energy is the parent company of Allegheny Power, and the TrAILCo subsidiary was created to oversee and implement transmission line projects. Although West Virginia Public Service Commission officials at first advised against the project with a long list of concerns, the state worked out an agreement with the company which called for changes in a portion of the selected route, up to 150 new jobs for the state, and certain other perks, like a seven-year reprieve from higher electric bills. West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin also has said he would like to find a way to tax the profits on the power line. Locally, the proposed project would involve the construction of an electric substation in North Strabane called Prexy, which would connect transmission lines on massive towers to another new substation called the 502 Junction -- 36 miles away in Dunkard, Greene County. The Prexy station also would include three smaller 138-kilovolt power lines to service local customers. The second portion of the line would start at the 502 Junction, travel 1.2 miles to the West Virginia border, and continue about 240 miles through West Virginia and into Northern Virginia. The Virginia part of the line would be built by Dominion Virginia Power. The target completion date is 2011. In its approval of the multistate project, the West Virginia PSC cites the regional nature of the venture -- something not mentioned in the report by Mr. Hoyer and Mr. Nemec. Mr. Colafella said the provincial attitude of the Pennsylvania judges shouldn't stand in the way of the project. "[West Virginia] agreed that you can't look at a regional project in a vacuum," he said. Mr. Colafella may have a point, because if the PUC board denies the application -- a decision is expected in late September or October -- the company could lobby the federal government to approve the project anyway. It's part of the Energy Act of 2005, which includes a provision allowing the federal government to override state decisions regarding the location of transmission lines. Spawned by the 2003 blackout in the Northeast, the Act also allows the federal government to seize private property by eminent domain. The U.S. Department of Energy designated a National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor over a large swath of the Northeast, including 52 of Pennsylvania's 67 counties. It is within that corridor that the federal government is permitted to take action. Lawmakers, including U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, have been trying to overturn that part of the Act for months, including during a recent hearing of the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, when Mr. Casey, D-Pa., targeted Allegheny Power for its tactics to sway homeowners to sell rights-of-way for the project. Agents acting on the company's behalf were accused of pressuring and misinforming homeowners about the project. Without admitting guilt, the company fired one of its land contractors after the charges came to light. The PUC also has filed suit to reduce the size and scope of the corridors. In their recommended denial of the project, Mr. Nemec and Mr. Hoyer called the proposed Prexy line "a grandiose answer to a minor or even non-existent problem," saying the company's claims that rolling brownouts and blackouts could occur within the next several years are exaggerated. The four scenarios cited by the company which they said could lead to power failures are based on at least two things going wrong simultaneously, which is not a standard measure for reliability and could be addressed by far less drastic measures, the judges said. "Based on our review of the entire record, we have concluded that little or no need for reinforcement ...exists and/or non-intrusive options are available, and probably should have been put in place before now," said the opinion. As for the larger multistate project, the judges said a failure by Virginia to address a lack of power generation isn't Pennsylvania's problem. "Granting approval of the 502 Junction [to Virginia] segment at this juncture rewards a lack of foresight and proper maintenance, and has policy implications for the location of future generation..." they said. "Non-transmission alternatives were not considered." Members of the grass roots Energy Conservation Council of Pennsylvania were happy with the recommendation. "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 group said in a statement. "The future of Pennsylvania's energy independence is dependent on forward-thinking, clear-eyed decisions such as this." The judges also were critical of the company's selected route for the power line from Prexy to the 502 Junction, saying that among the four options considered, the route chosen contains the highest number of residences with 500 feet of the power line and would require the clearing of 448 acres of forest. The company failed to consider using the Interstates 70 and 79 corridors and has not sought approval from other state agencies, such as the state Department of Environmental Protection. In response to the numerous health concerns expressed by property owners, the judges discredited a TrAILCo expert who said that electromagnetic field evidence is insufficient to conclude that high-voltage power lines have any long-term health effects by pointing out that he was not an epidemiologist and therefore was unqualified to make such a determination. They cited findings by the International Agency for Research and Cancer and the National Institutes of Environmental Health Sciences, which have said electromagnetic fields are considered to be possible carcinogens with respect to childhood leukemia. The judges expressed concern about herbicides that would be used to control vegetation beneath the power lines, and questioned the company's request to be exempt from local zoning regulations, saying that no detailed plans of the substations or transmission towers were submitted. They also urged the PUC board not to allow the company the authority to seize private property for the project, as it had requested. The company and other interested parties have the opportunity to file exceptions to the decision and then replies to those exceptions. Exceptions are due Sept. 10 and replies are due Sept. 22. Mr. Colafella said the company is "intensely focused" on crafting its response, which will reiterate the need for the project. "We stand by both projects because we feel they are needed," he said. "We need new lines. That's what it really comes down to, whether you want them in your backyard or not." Janice Crompton can be reached at jcrompton(a)post-gazette.com or 724-223-0156. ________________________________ __._,_.___ Messages in this topic <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wvec-board/message/131;_ylc=X3oDMTMzN3EwY jkyBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzIxNTg0MDQxBGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTM2NTM5MgRtc2dJZ AMxMzIEc2VjA2Z0cgRzbGsDdnRwYwRzdGltZQMxMjIwNDU2ODMwBHRwY0lkAzEzMQ--> (2) Reply (via web post) <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wvec-board/post;_ylc=X3oDMTJwaGJrc3AyBF9T Azk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzIxNTg0MDQxBGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTM2NTM5MgRtc2dJZAMxMzIE c2VjA2Z0cgRzbGsDcnBseQRzdGltZQMxMjIwNDU2ODMw?act=reply&messageNum=132> | Start a new topic <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wvec-board/post;_ylc=X3oDMTJma2NyYWgzBF9T Azk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzIxNTg0MDQxBGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTM2NTM5MgRzZWMDZnRyBHNs awNudHBjBHN0aW1lAzEyMjA0NTY4MzA-> Messages <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wvec-board/messages;_ylc=X3oDMTJmbm41MHJq BF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzIxNTg0MDQxBGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTM2NTM5MgRzZWMDZnRy BHNsawNtc2dzBHN0aW1lAzEyMjA0NTY4MzA-> | Files <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wvec-board/files;_ylc=X3oDMTJnbmMzN3MwBF9 TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzIxNTg0MDQxBGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTM2NTM5MgRzZWMDZnRyBHN sawNmaWxlcwRzdGltZQMxMjIwNDU2ODMw> | Photos <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wvec-board/photos;_ylc=X3oDMTJmZG5lY2pkBF 9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzIxNTg0MDQxBGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTM2NTM5MgRzZWMDZnRyBH NsawNwaG90BHN0aW1lAzEyMjA0NTY4MzA-> | Links <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wvec-board/links;_ylc=X3oDMTJnbzloOW0yBF9 TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzIxNTg0MDQxBGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTM2NTM5MgRzZWMDZnRyBHN sawNsaW5rcwRzdGltZQMxMjIwNDU2ODMw> | Database <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wvec-board/database;_ylc=X3oDMTJkazAzcnJz BF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzIxNTg0MDQxBGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTM2NTM5MgRzZWMDZnRy BHNsawNkYgRzdGltZQMxMjIwNDU2ODMw> | Polls <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wvec-board/polls;_ylc=X3oDMTJnMHJrZWhkBF9 TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzIxNTg0MDQxBGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTM2NTM5MgRzZWMDZnRyBHN sawNwb2xscwRzdGltZQMxMjIwNDU2ODMw> | Members <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wvec-board/members;_ylc=X3oDMTJmNm5mOWM3B F9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzIxNTg0MDQxBGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTM2NTM5MgRzZWMDZnRyB HNsawNtYnJzBHN0aW1lAzEyMjA0NTY4MzA-> | Calendar <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wvec-board/calendar;_ylc=X3oDMTJlZWEyMnZk BF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzIxNTg0MDQxBGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTM2NTM5MgRzZWMDZnRy BHNsawNjYWwEc3RpbWUDMTIyMDQ1NjgzMA--> <http://groups.yahoo.com/;_ylc=X3oDMTJlNzlmMzVmBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkA zIxNTg0MDQxBGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTM2NTM5MgRzZWMDZnRyBHNsawNnZnAEc3RpbWUDMTIyM DQ1NjgzMA--> Change settings via the Web <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wvec-board/join;_ylc=X3oDMTJncWUxOWU1BF9T Azk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzIxNTg0MDQxBGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTM2NTM5MgRzZWMDZnRyBHNs awNzdG5ncwRzdGltZQMxMjIwNDU2ODMw> (Yahoo! 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Fwd: [wvec-board] Fw: Hooray! Western Greenbrier CoGen plant is dead
by James Kotcon 03 Sep '08

03 Sep '08

Is this true? Where does that leave our appeal of the air permit? Will DEP drop it or do we still need to fight this out? I would feel much better if the air permit were actually revoked, but I will take em any way we can get em. JBK >>> "Frank Young" <fyoung(a)mountain.net> 9/2/2008 9:07 PM >>> Just now received this from Beth Little ............... ----- Original Message ----- From: Elizabeth Little To: WVHCBOARD(a)yahoogroups.com Sent: Tuesday, September 02, 2008 8:12 PM Subject: [WVHCBOARD] Hooray! Western Greenbrier CoGen plant is dead I received word from Jim Zoia's office that the DOE has declared that the project "is not moving forward." That's the third coal fired power plant we have defeated in the Greenbrier Valley.

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[Fwd: Have you seen this ad?]
by Regina Hendrix 01 Sep '08

01 Sep '08

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Re: [EC] [Fwd: Re: [fom] Explosion reported at Institute plant]
by Jim Sconyers 31 Aug '08

31 Aug '08

"....the land of the expendable" - hits the nail right on the head - our new state motto? Jim Sconyers jim_scon(a)yahoo.com 603.969.6712 Remember: Mother Nature bats last. ----- Original Message ---- From: Regina Hendrix <regina1936(a)verizon.net> To: ec(a)osenergy.org Sent: Sunday, August 31, 2008 1:02:03 PM Subject: [EC] [Fwd: Re: [fom] Explosion reported at Institute plant] Take a look at the link to the photos. Coal/Energy is not our only worry in the land of the expendable. Regina

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[Fwd: Re: [fom] Explosion reported at Institute plant]
by Regina Hendrix 31 Aug '08

31 Aug '08

Take a look at the link to the photos. Coal/Energy is not our only worry in the land of the expendable. Regina

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Re: [EC] [fom] Explosion reported at Institute plant
by Regina Hendrix 31 Aug '08

31 Aug '08

Kathryn, we just didn't know how dangerous. There are 253,600 pounds of methyl isocyanate (MIC) stored underground at the Bayer's Institute plant. That is the chemical that killed all those people in Bhopal, India. It is estimated that the MIC stored at Institute could kill people as far as 10 miles away from the plant. We are expendable, you see.......gotta have those jobs. The article in the Gazette says: "At it's own plants in Germany and Belgium Bayer never stored large quantities of MIC. Instead, Bayer made and used the chemical as it was needed." I don't know what the past tense implies here. Does it mean they don't use MIC in their overseas plants anymore? Have they decided it won't take the risk in Germany and Belgium, whereas, it's okay in WV because those people will do anything for jobs? Regina XKatwalkx(a)aol.com wrote: > R: My neighbor said she felt a jolt when the explosion occurred. I > did not. kas p.s. I guess I did not realize that this was still a > dangerous area, chemically speaking. > > > ************** > It's only a deal if it's where you want to go. Find your travel deal here. > (http://information.travel.aol.com/deals?ncid=aoltrv00050000000047)

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Coal Film Festival help
by Jim Sconyers 30 Aug '08

30 Aug '08

Hi folks - We are going to need help at the Coal Film Festival next Saturday 4:00-11:00. Mostly we need folks to give out programs, monitor donations, and circulate and collect interest cards. The schedule runs from 4 to 11. Can you commit to helping some part of that? Jim Sconyers jim_scon(a)yahoo.com 603.969.6712 Remember: Mother Nature bats last.

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Wind Energy Bumps Into Power Grid's Limits
by Regina Hendrix 28 Aug '08

28 Aug '08

Maybe the power lines could be built where they'd promote clean energy instead of coal.

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Fwd: Fw: Kilowatt Ours PBS broadcasts
by Paul Wilson 28 Aug '08

28 Aug '08

fyi, paul ps. probably won't happen in WV but it would be nice to rattle a few doors in Charleston. ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Lyndsay Moseley <Lyndsay.Moseley(a)sierraclub.org> Date: Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 10:54 AM Subject: Fw: Kilowatt Ours PBS broadcasts To: COAL-CAMPAIGN-ALERTS(a)lists.sierraclub.org For those of you who have seen the energy documentary Kilowatt Ours (which I hope includes everyone!), I would encourage you to contact your local PBS station in the next month to ask them to broadcast it in your area. If you haven't seen it, Kilowatt Ours is a great tool for raising awareness about the problems with coal and other dirty energy sources and provides information on practical positive solutions like conservation, efficiency and renewables. Contact me if you haven't seen Kilowatt Ours but would like to... I have several copies in my office and would be happy to share. Best, Lyndsay Lyndsay Moseley Washington Representative National Coal Campaign Sierra Club 408 C St. NE Washington, DC 20002 tel: 202-548-4581 fax: 202-547-6009 ----- Forwarded by Lyndsay Moseley/Sierraclub on 08/28/2008 10:20 AM ----- Kilowatt Ours <screening(a)kilowattours.org> 08/28/2008 09:10 AM To Kilowatt Ours <screening(a)kilowattours.org> cc Subject Kilowatt Ours PBS broadcasts Dear friend of Kilowatt Ours, As you may have seen from our recent letter, Kilowatt Ours will be available for broadcast on public television stations nationwide this fall! This is an exciting time for us as we have a wonderful chance to share this message with an even larger audience. Our goal is to inspire millions of Americans to conserve energy and choose renewable power, and we need your help. Would you or your organization please take a few minutes to consider helping in the following ways? o Reach out to your local public television station. Stations will make initial decisions about scheduling Kilowatt Ours locally in the next month. Please consider contacting the viewer services department at your local public television station to find out if they will be airing the film in your community. If the film is not currently scheduled, you can mention how a screening of the film has inspired you and others in your community to be more energy efficient and how it could inspire many more. o Support our outreach efforts with a donation. This is a crucial time in our effort to educate the nation on energy efficiency. The public television broadcast will bring increased requests for community screenings, educational materials and energy savings advice. Our new website, launching October 1, will be an exciting new resource for community interaction and energy savings information. Your donations will support us in making this project a success. Please consider making a donation on our website at http://www.KilowattOurs.org or mail a check in the enclosed envelope to Kilowatt Ours. To show our gratitude for your donation, we will list your organization on our website as a Kilowatt Ours contributor. Thank you for your continued support of Kilowatt Ours! It is because of your efforts that we are able to bring this message to a wider audience through this public television launch. We will continue to be in touch with you as this important energy saving campaign unfolds, and we welcome you to contact us at screening(a)KilowattOurs.org. Yours, Jeff Barrie Founder, Producer, and Director of Kilowatt Ours - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To unsubscribe from the COAL-CAMPAIGN-ALERTS list, send any message to: COAL-CAMPAIGN-ALERTS-signoff-request(a)LISTS.SIERRACLUB.ORG Check out our Listserv Lists support site for more information: http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/faq.asp -- Paul Wilson Sierra Club 504 Jefferson Ave Charles Town, WV 25414-1130 Phone: 304-725-4360 Cell: 304-279-6975

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BULLETION - PENNSYLVANIA SAYS "NO" TO TRAILCO
by William V. DePaulo, Esq. 27 Aug '08

27 Aug '08

THIS JUST IN -- AND IT AINT A JOKE !!! The Pennsylvania judges say that "TrAILCo has failed to carry its burden of proof" and that "*the true impetus **for the 502-Lodoun segment is** to transport cheaper coal-fired generation from westerm PJM to eastern PJM *and to encourage the siting of new generation in western PJM where it may be more palatable." They go on to question the modeling that was done to support the alleged need. Text of decision to follow... -- William V. DePaulo, Esq. 179 Summers Street, Suite 232 Charleston, WV 25301-2163 Tel: 304-342-5588 Fax: 304-342-5505 william.depaulo(a)gmail.com www.passeggiata.com

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Morgan County Commission Opposes PATH
by James Kotcon 27 Aug '08

27 Aug '08

FYI. JBK >>> "Kenneth Redfern" <redfernkd(a)msn.com> 8/26/2008 8:51 PM >>> Thanks Jim for getting back to me so quickly. Thank you for the fact sheet, it is very informative. Recently, August 25th, the Morgan County Commission members have officially gone on record opposing local construction of the proposed PATH in their county. Hopefully the Berkeley County Commissioners will follow. I am working on getting my information together to be more informed and make my neighbors aware of these proposed lines. Thanks Again, Debbie Redfern ----- Original Message ----- From: James Kotcon<mailto:jkotcon@wvu.edu> To: Kenneth Redfern<mailto:redfernkd@msn.com> ; Regina Hendrix<mailto:regina1936@verizon.net> Cc: ec(a)osenergy.org<mailto:ec@osenergy.org> Sent: Tuesday, August 19, 2008 11:19 AM Subject: Re: [EC] PATH Potomac-Appalachian Transmission Highline Debbie (Kenneth, et al.): I recommend three actions that you should take immediately, as well as a series of activities that will be needed to fight this PATH over the long term. First, if your property is in one of the proposed routes, contact an attorney and be sure you fully understand your legal rights and responsibilities. I realize that this is unfair and that you did not ask for this expense and aggravation, but the law is what it is, and you can not fight it if you do not know what it is. But don't stop there. Legal battles are unlikely to win a favorable result for you as the law is stacked in favor of the utility. A political solution is also needed. Therefore, I also recommend: Second, talk to your County Commissioners. Ask them to adopt a resolution opposing PATH, just as the affected counties did for the TrAIL line. If your commissioners are hesitant, ask them to at least talk to the Commissioners in Hardy, Hampshire, Preston, Monongalia, and Tucker Counties, all of whom adopted such resolutions. Third, talk to your state Delegates and Senators. Ask them to support legislation to reform the Public Service Commission, and to restore some balance to the rules governing the taking of private property in West Virginia. Senator John Hunter had a couple of good bills last session, but they did not pass, so ask your delegates to sign on to these. I am attaching a fact sheet we developed for this effort. We will be doing more work on it as the application proceeds, but you should not wait to get started. Contact me if I can be of other help. Jim Kotcon WV Sierra Club Energy Committee. 304-293-8822 (office) 304-594-3322 (home) >>> Regina Hendrix <regina1936(a)verizon.net<mailto:regina1936@verizon.net>> 8/18/2008 11:32 PM >>> Debbie, I'm cc-ing the Sierra Club's Energy Committee about your concerns and will have someone get it touch with you. Sierra Club has been actively opposing Trail and we are gearing up to fight PATH. Such a dirty deal for all West Virginians!! I live in Charleston and in my part of the state we are plagued with mountaintop removal and pollution from coal-fired generating plants. We are already exporting 70% of the electricity generated in WV. If these lines are allowed to be built, demand for coal will increase and more power plants will be needed to generate more electricity for the East Coast....... Regina Hendrix 304-343-5211 P.S. Will someone on the Energy Committee get in touch with Debbie. Kenneth Redfern wrote: > Hello, > > This is the first time I have ever written to an organization about > matters like this. > > I need your group's help or guidance in what steps I can take as a > concerned resident of Berkeley County WV. > > An open house for the Potomac-Appalachian Transmission Highline (PATH) > was held on August 6th in Martinsburg, WV. > > This was not a public forum but a meet and greet "the proposed high > power transmission line that may be in your backyard" meeting. > > I have been watching the PATH website for maps of the proposed routes > for these lines and they never had them on their website until recently. > > I have been worried about this high power transmission line from when > I first heard about this project about 1 to 2 years ago. > > The area I live in is in the bulls eye of a couple of proposed > routes. I do not live in an unpopulated area so these routes would > affect many residents in this area of Berkeley County. > > But actually most of these routes in Berkeley County are in populated > areas. > > We live in a beautiful area of Berkeley County that has beautiful > views of the mountains, that would be marred by this transmission > line. Also looking at these proposed routes these lines will > literally be in people's backyards. > > Even though the transmission line will not be in my backyard it will > still be in the area I live. > > I would like to compose a handout to make my neighbors more aware of > the possibility of this happening in our area. > > I received the Mountain State Sierran that had an article about PATH > but I cannot find it. > > Could you please offer some guidance in who to get in touch with about > my concerns and if you have any information that could help me in this > endeavor. > > I hope to hear from you soon, we don't have much time to voice our > concerns. > > I copied the paragraph below from the PATH website: > > These maps are designed to help property owners and other interested > parties learn more about the alternatives under consideration for the > line segments. The specific line route has not been selected. The > companies expect to determine the exact proposed route of the line by > late fall of 2008. > Thank you, > > Debbie Redfern > 304 Duchess Way > Martinsburg, WV 25403 > > > > _______________________________________________ EC mailing list EC(a)osenergy.org<mailto:EC@osenergy.org> http://osenergy.org/mailman/listinfo/ec<http://osenergy.org/mailman/listinfo/ec>

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Fwd: New liquid coal materials
by Paul Wilson 27 Aug '08

27 Aug '08

fyi, paul ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Virginia Cramer <virginia.cramer(a)sierraclub.org> Date: Tue, Aug 26, 2008 at 3:09 PM Subject: New liquid coal materials To: COAL-CAMPAIGN-ALERTS(a)lists.sierraclub.org Hi everyone, As promised, here are some new liquid coal messaging materials. A big thanks to everyone who helped pull these together. Follow this link for updated talking points, sample letters to the editor, a sample op/ed and links to our other liquid coal resources. http://www.clubhouse.sierraclub.org/conservation/energy/coal/coal-messaging. aspx As always, let me (or Nithin) know if you have any questions or want to kick around ideas for using these materials. Thanks, ginny --------------------- Virginia Cramer Associate Press Secretary Sierra Club tel: 804-225-9113 x 102 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To unsubscribe from the COAL-CAMPAIGN-ALERTS list, send any message to: COAL-CAMPAIGN-ALERTS-signoff-request(a)LISTS.SIERRACLUB.ORG Check out our Listserv Lists support site for more information: http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/faq.asp To view the Sierra Club List Terms & Conditions, see: http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/terms.asp -- Paul Wilson Sierra Club 504 Jefferson Ave Charles Town, WV 25414-1130 Phone: 304-725-4360 Cell: 304-279-6975

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Fwd: Sierra Club on federal approvals for coal plant financing
by Paul Wilson 27 Aug '08

27 Aug '08

fyi, paul ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Verena Owen <baumling(a)aol.com> Date: Tue, Aug 26, 2008 at 12:20 PM Subject: Fwd: Sierra Club on federal approvals for coal plant financing To: COAL-CAMPAIGN-ALERTS(a)lists.sierraclub.org -----Original Message----- From: Mark Kresowik <mkresowiksc(a)earthlink.net> To: CONS-EQST-AIR-MW-COAL-COMM(a)LISTS.SIERRACLUB.ORG Sent: Tue, 26 Aug 2008 11:07 am Subject: Sierra Club on federal approvals for coal plant financing Today the Sierra Club sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture expressing concern about the USDA's approvals for electric cooperatives to pursue private financing for coal plants without any environmental analysis. Billions of dollars of outstanding loans - taxpayers money - and our energy bills are in the balance. This could affect the financing arrangements for at least ten coal plants around the country. I've attached the letter that was sent to the USDA today and the press release, including Rep. Henry Waxman, is below. Our first lawsuit on this matter, on the Holcomb plant in Kansas, will go to trial next summer. Mark Poor Government Financial Decisions Could Raise Energy Bills Press Room: For Immediate Release Explore, Enjoy and Protect the Planet August 26, 2008 Contact: Virginia Cramer, 804-225-9113 ext.102 Consumers Could See Significant Rate Increases Federal Government Jeopardizes Billions in Loan Repayment by Authorizing Risky Energy Projects Washington, DC: The Sierra Club today voiced its concern that consumers could be faced with higher electric bills if the federal government continues to approve unsound investments in new coal-fired power plants across the nation. Already burdened with $36 billion in unpaid loans, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is now allowing rural utilities to take on billions of dollars in additional debt to build new coal-fired power plants, at enormous financial risk to taxpayers. "In the past weeks families across the country have already seen their energy rates increase dramatically, in some cases almost double," said Bruce Nilles, director of the Sierra Club's National Coal Campaign. "Approving these plants will push rates even higher as both the cost of energy and the additional debt are pushed off on ratepayers." The federal government, through the Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service, is approving rural utilities' ownership in at least ten new coal-fired power plants across the country. In every instance, the government has failed to fully vet the plants' potential impacts before authorizing their construction, ignoring key concerns like the financial risk associated with the coal plants' contribution to global warming, adverse impacts on the environment and the availability of cleaner, cheaper alternatives. The government's failure to fully evaluate the environmental risks of and alternatives to these new coal-fired power plants violates the National Environmental Policy Act. "The Rural Utilities Service is rubber stamping new coal-fired power plants," continued Nilles. "And in the process is unfairly saddling the American public with huge amounts of debt. We need to be making smarter decisions with our money, especially in today's economic climate." Environmental impacts play an integral role in a utility's ability to repay its loans, a fact recognized by the nation's largest banks, which already consider the cost of carbon dioxide pollution before granting loans. Other parts of the federal government, including the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee have also recognized the financial risks associated with failing to account for the cost of global warming pollution from new coal plants. The Committee has warned the Rural Utilities Service that future carbon regulations will make coal increasingly costly and that failing to consider those costs will place taxpayer dollars and ratepayers at risk. "It is irresponsible to approve investments in new coal-fired power plants without considering the environmental and financial risks. The Rural Utilities Service is placing hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars in serious jeopardy," said Rep. Henry A. Waxman, Chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. In the past rural utility cooperatives have gone bankrupt rather than pass on cost increases to customers. If that were to happen in this situation, the American taxpayers will be left with billions of dollars in debt which is unable to be repaid. "Coal is a fuel of the past. Instead of looking for ways to use more of it, like fueling our cars, we should be working to move beyond it to a cleaner energy future. There are real, affordable energy solutions, like efficiency and renewable energy that are ready today to meet our energy needs, without the financial, health and environmental risks associated with coal," said Nilles. Mark Kresowik Corporate Accountability Representative Sierra Club's National Coal Campaignmark.kresowik(a)sierraclub.org 319-621-7393 (cell) 608-257-4994, x112 (work) 608-257-3513 (fax) 122 W. Washington Ave. Suite 830 Madison, WI 53703 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To unsubscribe from the CONS-EQST-AIR-MW-COAL-COMM list, send any message to:CONS-EQST-AIR-MW-COAL-COMM-signoff-request@LISTS.SIERRACLUB.ORG Check out our Listserv Lists support site for more information:http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/faq.asp To view the Sierra Club List Terms & Conditions, see: http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/terms.asp ------------------------------ Get the MapQuest Toolbar<http://mapquest.com/toolbar?ncid=mpqmap00050000000010>. Directions, Traffic, Gas Prices & More! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To unsubscribe from the COAL-CAMPAIGN-ALERTS list, send any message to: COAL-CAMPAIGN-ALERTS-signoff-request(a)LISTS.SIERRACLUB.ORG Check out our Listserv Lists support site for more information: http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/faq.asp To view the Sierra Club List Terms & Conditions, see: http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/terms.asp -- Paul Wilson Sierra Club 504 Jefferson Ave Charles Town, WV 25414-1130 Phone: 304-725-4360 Cell: 304-279-6975

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WVSC Coal Film Festival info
by Jim Sconyers 26 Aug '08

26 Aug '08

Attached is information about the Coal Film Festival dates and places. Jim Sconyers jim_scon(a)yahoo.com 603.969.6712 Remember: Mother Nature bats last.

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WVSC committee chairs
by Jim Sconyers 26 Aug '08

26 Aug '08

Here are some new or renewed WV Sierra Club chairfolks: Chapter Chair - Jim Sconyers Political Committee Chair - Regina Hendrix Nominating Committee Chair - Jonathan Rosenbaum Election Committee - Mary Davis, Jim Kotcon Energy Committee Chair - Jim Kotcon Jim Sconyers jim_scon(a)yahoo.com 603.969.6712 Remember: Mother Nature bats last.

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Fw: GOOD NEWS on PA Transmission line case
by aaron.isherwood＠sierraclub.org 25 Aug '08

25 Aug '08

Fyi... Aaron Isherwood Senior Staff Attorney Sierra Club Environmental Law Program 85 Second Street, 2d Floor San Francisco, CA 94105-3441 Phone: (415) 977-5680 Fax: (415) 977-5793 CONFIDENTIAL LEGAL COMMUNICATION/WORK PRODUCT This e-mail may contain privileged and confidential attorney-client communications and/or attorney work product. If you receive this e-mail inadvertently, please reply to the sender and delete all versions on your system. Thank you. ----- Forwarded by Aaron Isherwood/Sierraclub on 08/25/2008 11:02 AM ----- Jeff Schmidt <jeff.schmidt(a)sierraclub.org> 08/25/2008 09:27 AM Please respond to Jeff Schmidt <jeff.schmidt(a)sierraclub.org> To Glen Besa <glen.besa(a)sierraclub.org>, Aaron Isherwood <aaron.isherwood(a)sierraclub.org> cc jeff tittel <jeff.tittel(a)sierraclub.org> Subject GOOD NEWS on PA Transmission line case This might be useful to share with whomever at national Sierra Club is working on NIETC / transmission line issues Jeff Schmidt ----- Original Message ----- From: Ginny Kreitler To: listserve Sent: Saturday, August 23, 2008 10:54 PM Subject: [Pa-transmission] GOOD NEWS for conservation in the PA recommendation on TrAILCO For those of you who have not read through the 364 pages (!) of the recommendation against TrAILCo in Pennsylvania last week, there is much to cheer. The Administrative Law Judges stand reinforced exactly several of the points the conservation community has been articulating. Namely: 1) "Economics, not reliability, is the impetus for both the original request for transmission proposals from PJM and the TrAIL proposal itself" [p112] 2) "The origianl TrAIL project was proposed before any reliability criteria infractions were identified" [p113] 3) "Project Mountaineer's goal was to transmist 5000 megawatts of new coal-fired generation from western to eastern PJM" and "According to Mr. Pfirrmann [PJM management in testimony to FERC], at least two extra high-voltage transmission lines were required to support the delivery of this much electricity." [p 113] 4) "The RTEP modeling process used by PJM is an overly conservative, belt and suspenders approach to transmission planning" [ok we never asserted that], and 5) "We conclude that the RTEP process is designed to yield transmission solutions." [p.115] In short, the conceptual foundation of the Mid-Atlantic corridor as well as the case for this project are flawed and the pro-transmission arguments were developed to expand coal-fired power markets. These conclusions deserve widespread attention and should be disseminated to constituents, media, and legislators. Also very noteworthy is the seriousness of the Pennsylvania review process. Of particular note is the weight given to the importance of environmental impacts analysis in the application and review process. The Administrative Law Judges made plain their perspectives on what constitutes (or, more precisely, what does not) a reasonable effort to affirmatively and completely address environmental impacts. This position not only proves that the Judges are taking seriously their responsibility in the area of assessing the environmental impacts of proposed projects, it also provides some guidance for future cases for those concerned with environmental impacts of other proposed projects. The decision considerations should be equally relevant in those cases. In this ruling the ALJs faulted the incompleteness of the information developed on environmental impacts, in particular suggesting that better information is expected in: 1) documenting the resources affected 2) presenting a soil and sedimentation plan 3) identifying locations of access roads 4) detailing steps to be taken to protect ground and surface waters 5) detailing a plan to minimize air and water pollution from construction, and, with special emphasis on 6) providing a credible account of how alternative routes were seriously considered that had less environmental impacts than the 'preordained' route [their words] The full recommendation can be found at: http://www.puc.state.pa.us/PCDOCS/1019983.pdf. Again, please note that PALTA's site lists the environmental considerations to be detailed in transmission project filings. See: http://conserveland.org/pp/Transmission/opposepowerline Pennsylvania's state process is superior. Interested stakeholders should familiarize themselves with it. All parties concerned with responsible land use decisions and infrastructure siting should be concerned over the possibility of this state jurisdiction being usurped for an ill-defined and untested new federal process. This is a highly important precedent being set for our Commonwealth and for others.

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[Fwd: Fwd: Sunday 8.24.2008 WV_1+2]
by Regina Hendrix 24 Aug '08

24 Aug '08

More info on the Marcellus Shale drilling controversy in Pendleton County. Watch out, dirty Mike Ross is involved. Regina

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[Fwd: possible ammo for power line fight]
by Regina Hendrix 24 Aug '08

24 Aug '08

Wanted to be sure you got this. Regina

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