Pollard Takes on Dominion

By: Chris Guy
Published On: 8/3/2007 11:40:07 PM

Do-+min-+ion (noun):rule; control; domination.

Conservation has always been Albert Pollard's most passionate issue. That's why on Friday, July 27th Albert testified in front of the State Corporation Commission (SCC) against the proposed Dominion Power transmission line in Fauquier County. This, of course, is in addition to his recent testimony before the House Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources over the Minerals Management Services proposed program on oil and gas leasing off the Virginia coast.

"I would like the SCC (to) make recommendations to the General Assembly on ways Dominion can make a reasonable profit through encouraging conservation -- as opposed to only profiting from selling more energy."

-Albert Pollard, July 27, 2007


These proposed power lines are becoming a marquee issue in several parts of northern Virginia. In fact Carlos Del Toro has made this his pet issue as well, and has pointed out that his opponent, Del. Mark Cole (R-88), has taken $3,000 from Dominion this year.

All in all, according to the Virginian-Pilot:

Utility giant Dominion spent more than $942,300 in the past 12 months lobbying state officials and polishing its public image, a five-fold increase over the previous year, according to documents released by state officials Monday.

The energy conglomerate Dominion Resources and its subsidiary, Dominion Virginia Power, deployed 17 lobbyists to work the halls of the General Assembly this winter as the power company struggled to win support for two controversial initiatives.

Here's the full press release from the Pollard campaign:

Pollard Testifies Against Fauquier Power Lines

Warrenton - On Friday, July 27th Albert Pollard testified in front of the State Corporation Commission (SCC) against the proposed Dominion Power transmission line.  With much resistance, Dominion Power has proposed putting a 500KV transmission line through Fauquier County, with the preferred route being through southern Fauquier.  The SCC hearings were scheduled in order to take public comment on the subject and hear concerns for citizens.

The proposed towers would stand up to 165 feet tall and require a 50-150 foot wide right-of-way. The Department of Energy is currently considering the designation of national energy corridors which would give TrAILCo and Dominion Power access to federal eminent domain authority. 

Pollard, who is running for the State Senate seat that encompasses the area where these power lines will potentially go, told the SCC board that "there has been no documented proof of the need for this transmission line."

He described to the judge the need to focus on projected demand and the underlining assumptions for those demands.  He further speculated that conservation measures might be able to close the gap between potentially inflated demands and actual need.  Such analysis is only fair before allowing Dominion to devalue property along the proposed route. 

In closing, Pollard said, "I would like the SCC make recommendations to the General Assembly on ways Dominion can make a reasonable profit through encouraging conservation -- as opposed to only profiting from selling more energy."

 

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