Senator Webb Press Release re PATH

[list...@co.frederick.va.us]

From: Nouri, Ali (Webb) [mailto:Ali_...@webb.senate.gov]
Sent: Monday, March 09, 2009 3:25 PM
To: Nouri, Ali (Webb)
Subject: FW: Webb Urges Utility Companies to Consider Area Residents'
Concerns Before Submitting Transmission Line Proposal to the SCC

Attached, please find the press release regarding Senator Webb’s
concerns over the PATH project.

From: Press (Webb)
Sent: Monday, March 09, 2009 4:21 PM
To: Press (Webb)
Subject: Webb Urges Utility Companies to Consider Area Residents'
Concerns Before Submitting Transmission Line Proposal to the SCC



For Immediate Release: Contact:
Jessica Smith – 202-228-5185
Monday, March 10, 2009 Kimberly Hunter –
202-228-5258

Webb Urges Utility Companies to Consider Area Residents’ Concerns
Before Submitting Transmission Line Proposal to the SCC

Washington, D.C.—Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) sent letters to CEOs of three
electricity companies today, urging them to delay the submission of
Potomac-Appalachian Transmission Highline proposals to the Virginia
State Corporation Commission (SCC) until Frederick and Loudoun
Counties citizens have been provided sufficient time to voice
concerns.

Senator Webb has heard from many Virginians and elected officials
concerned about the new electricity transmission line.

The full text of Senator Webb’s letters to PJM Interconnection, L.L.C;
American Electric Power; and Allegheny Energy, Inc. follows.

I am writing to urge you to delay submitting the proposed Potomac-
Appalachian Transmission Highline project to the Virginia State
Corporation Commission (SCC) until citizens of Frederick and Loudoun
Counties have had sufficient opportunity to be heard on this important
issue.
I have heard from many Virginians and the elected officials of the
affected counties. Of great concern to me is the degree to which they
believe that their voices have been ignored in the shaping of the
proposed project. It is critical that these communities be given
sufficient opportunity to participate before the proposal is rushed to
the SCC for final approval.
As reflected in the 2005 Energy Policy Act, the federal government
places great importance on ensuring the reliability of the electricity
sector. In siting transmission projects to meet this goal, however,
it is important to include sufficient public input and minimize any
adverse impact on historical and pristine areas of this nation.
Thank you for your consideration of this request.
Sincerely,


Jim Webb

United States Senator


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