WOLF WRITES SCC IN OPPOSITION TO PATH PROJECT

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

Wolf Writes SCC In Opposition to PATH Project
Tuesday May 26, 2009
May 26, 2009
Contact: Dan Scandling
Jennifer Allen
(202) 225-5136
WOLF WRITES SCC IN OPPOSITION TO PATH PROJECT
Says Commissioners Themselves Should Attend Public Hearing in Region
Washington, D.C. -- Rep. Frank Wolf (R-10th) today released copies of
letters he wrote to all three members of the State Corporation
Commission questioning the need of the so-called PATH high voltage
transmission lines that would cut through Frederick and Loudoun
counties.

Wolf, an outspoken critic of the project, wrote that he remains
unconvinced of the need and that "the ‘benefits’ for our region will
be towering structures strung with wire dotting the countryside and
backyards of the places we call home, not to mention higher rates for
our consumers to pay for new power lines that will not bring power to
their homes."

Wolf wrote that the commissioners themselves should attend a public
hearing in the region.

"I understand that the standard procedure is to send a hearing
examiner," Wolf wrote. "However, I believe that the citizens of
Virginia deserve to have their cases heard by those who will be making
the decision. The responsibility should fall on your shoulders as
commissioners to take account of citizen concerns first hand."

He also was critical about the lack of information provided to the
public.

"I have been troubled by the countless complaints I have received from
constituents that the power companies have not sufficiently addressed
community concerns about the PATH project," Wolf wrote. "On several
occasions, the citizens and local elected officials requested that a
community forum be held with the companies to answer questions.
However, the only public events held were 'open house' type meetings
that did not provide for a question and answer session. These
communities are still waiting for answer to their legitimate
reservations about this project."


May 26, 2009

The Honorable Mark C. Christie
Chairman
State Corporation Commission
PO Box 1197
Richmond VA 23218

Dear Judge Christie:

I write today to share my concerns about American Electric Power (AEP)
and Allegheny Energy’s joint application to the State Corporation
Commission (SCC) for the Potomac-Appalachian Transmission Highline
(PATH) transmission line.

I am opposed to this project and question its need. I have yet to see
anything to convince me that unless these huge power lines are built
across our region, we will be sitting in dark homes and offices.
Instead, in my review of these plans, all I see is that regions along
the East Coast where the power will be shipped will reap the benefits
and the “benefits” for our region will be towering structures strung
with wire dotting the countryside and backyards of the places we call
home, not to mention higher rates for our consumers to pay for new
power lines that will not bring power to their homes.

I have been troubled by the countless complaints I have received from
constituents that the power companies have not sufficiently addressed
community concerns about the PATH project. On several occasions, the
citizens and local elected officials requested that a community forum
be held with the companies to answer questions. However, the only
public events held were “open house” type meetings that did not
provide for a question and answer session. These communities are
still waiting for answer to their legitimate reservations about this
project.

I respectfully request that that you, as the commissioners of the SCC,
hold public hearings in the affected areas and that at least one of
you attend each hearing. I understand that the standard procedure is
to send a hearing examiner. However, I believe that the citizens of
Virginia deserve to have their cases heard by those who will be making
the decision. The responsibility should fall on your shoulders as
commissioners to take account of citizen concerns first hand.

One of the clauses in the State Corporation Commission's code of
ethics states that the SCC will "discharge our duties and regulatory
responsibilities in a manner that instills public confidence in the
Commission." I believe there is a public perception that the mission
of the SCC—the state's primary regulatory agency—to balance the
interests of citizens and businesses has been tilted excessively
toward the business end. Some believe that the SCC has become a
rubber stamp for the industries it regulates. I believe that having
at least one commissioner attend any public hearing held would help to
restore public confidence. There should be weight given to citizen
concerns as these applications move through the SCC process.

I urge you to closely examine every aspect of this project, including
the need and citizen concerns, as this application is considered, I
also urge you to become personally involved in public hearings in the
communities which will be affected.

Thank you for your consideration of this issue of critical importance
to the quality of life of my constituents.

Best wishes.

Sincerely,

Frank R. Wolf
Member of Congress