Good
News --Part 1
NIETC Designations Challenged From All Sides!
Dear
Robert,
When the Department of Energy (DOE) designated National Interest Electric
Transmission Corridors (NIETC) last month, I doubt DOE expected the
overwhelming response they received on Monday. Not only did many of you submit
individual Requests for Rehearing, but state government, state utility
commissions and numerous environmental groups piled on to challenge DOE's
ill-considered NIETC designations.
Thanks in large part to your hard work, there is so much good news this
week that we need to split it into two emails. This email focuses on
National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors and a second email will focus
on the Dominion/TrAILCo transmission line.
Keep the Good News Rolling. Make an Online Donation Today.
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Your
letters to the Governor and Attorney General were noticed. On Monday Governor
Tim Kaine and Attorney General Bob McDonnell submitted a Request for Rehearing,
calling DOE's designation "unlawful" and in excess of Federal authority!
They went on to state:
"The
Congressman Wolf and Congressman Davis signed on to the Governor and Attorney
General's press release, and continue to lead NIETC opposition in Congress. And
on Tuesday, Senator Webb sent a letter to the Secretary of Energy laying out
concerns regarding NIETC designation, stating that "Senate hearings into
this matter may be justified."
Send a Thank You Note to Governor Kaine and the Attorney
General
States
Across the Nation Join the Fight
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DE, MD, NJ, NY and PA have all filed a request
for rehearing, as well as AZ and CA. |
Delaware Lt. Governor: “This proposal is ill-conceived and premature. It
runs counter to forward thinking energy policies to promote sustainable “green”
energy alternatives that are right for
Pennsylvania Utility Commission: “This ill considered, overly expansive
exercise of the Department’s powers under EPAct § 1221 (a) is arbitrary and
capricious, violates Congressional intent and the clear language of the statute
and fails to adduce evidence, to make reasoned and clearly articulated
decisions and fails to make findings required by law.”
New York Attorney General: "DOE’s Designation is contrary to law and is
otherwise arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, and without basis in
the record."
Major
Environmental Organizations Speak Out
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Over 20 organizations including SELC, Environmental
Defense and the Wilderness Society joined PEC to file Rehearing
Requests |
Over
20 environmental and historic preservation organizations signed Petitions for
Rehearing including PEC, SELC, Environmental Defense and the Wilderness Society.
"DOE's sweeping decision dramatically undermines state efforts to
address global warming and other important environmental problems,"
said Mark Brownstein, an energy policy expert at Environmental Defense. "New
interstate transmission lines are like superhighways for the oldest and
dirtiest coal-fired power plants, and the federal government has made it a
whole lot easier to put one in your backyard."
"The Department of Energy failed to comply with the National
Environmental Policy Act, the National Historic Preservation Act, and the
Endangered Species Act. These environmental laws are important tools to protect
human health, ecosystems and community values" said Chris Miller,
President of the Piedmont Environmental Council.
Pennsylvania
PUC Files Against DOE in District Court
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Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission files suit
against Dept. of Energy |
The
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission has filed a Complaint for Declaratory
and Injunctive relief against Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman, Assistant
Secretary Kevin Kolevar, the Department of Energy and the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission.
The PUC
alleges that the DOE’s “expansive interpretation of its own powers is
neither reasonable, nor reasonably required to effectuate Congress’ purpose,”
nor is it supported by the Act.
“The PUC
will continue to fight action that puts unbounded authority in the hands of the
federal government who may not act in a manner that has the best interests of
Thank you to everyone who wrote a
letter, spoke at a hearing or told a friend -
NIETC designation has become a national
issue because of you.
Keep the Pressure On. Make an
Online Donation Today
You didn't use the donate link at top? Ahhh, but there's one right here for you
to use. I promised my boss, Chris Miller that we could raise $10,000 in
November on the Internet (and not have to spend money on stamps and "snail
mail"). I'm good for $50. Who's with me?
Very Best,
Bri West
Piedmont Environmental Council
bwest@pecva.org
1-540-347-2334