Jim Webb Statement on Dominion Power Line

By: Lowell
Published On: 4/14/2007 6:31:30 AM

From Sen. Webb's office comes "a letter to the State Corporation Commission (SCC) today asking that the Commission validate the need for increased transmission capacity in Northern Virginia." In addition, Sen. Webb "ask[s] the Commission to ensure in its consideration of the Dominion Power request that the proper steps are taken to safeguard the environment, minimize the taking of private property and protect the region's historic sites."  The full text of the letter is on the "flip."

 

April 13, 2007

Chairman Theodore V. Morrison, Jr.
Virginia State Corporation Commission
Post Office Box 1197
Richmond, Virginia  23218

Dear Chairman Morrison:

It is my understanding that the State Corporation Commission (SCC) will soon consider plans by PJM Interconnection, Allegheny Power and Dominion Power to construct a new electric power line passing through Allegheny's Meadowbrook substation in Frederick County to Dominion's Loudoun substation.  My office has been contacted by numerous constituents concerned about the "Meadowbrook-Loudon" transmission line and I wish to share with you their, as well as my, concerns about the new line.

I would hope that the SCC in its consideration of the Meadowbrook-Loudon transmission line would take such steps as are necessary to safeguard the environment of this pristine and beautiful part of the Commonwealth.  These steps would include making sure the transmission line respects viewsheds and historic resources and minimizes the takings of privately owned lands.  Additionally, I urge the Commission to dispose of this issue in a manner that protects the quality of life for area residents.  Finally, and most importantly, the Commission should validate the need for increased transmission capacity in Northern Virginia.

I thank you in advance for your time and consideration of this matter.  With kind regards, I remain

  Sincerely,

  Jim Webb
  United States Senator

cc: Governor Timothy M. Kaine

Comments



Without transmission (Dan - 4/14/2007 1:53:56 PM)
Webb makes a good point.  Do it in the right way.  However, it is unfortunate that people wish to keep transmission lines out of sight, but A) won't curtail their energy use which is why the stupid thing has to be built B) Won't stop having 5 or 6 children who force the load growth that causes transmission bottlenecks in the first place; and C) Won't face up to the fact that if they want these lines to be buried, they will just have to pay more for their electricity.  Buried lines are more expensive, but will enable power lines to be out of sight.


One more thing (Dan - 4/14/2007 1:55:32 PM)
I am sure Webb supports this, but the Dept. of Energy and FERC must stop dragging ass on regulating transformer standards for transmission lines which, as long as they aren't implemented, continue to cost rate-payers hundreds of millions of dollars due to inefficient transfer of power from the grid.