Proposed massive multistate power line could test new law

[Algorem]

http://www.cleveland.com/newsflash/cleveland/index.ssf?/base/business-5/1139161147227790.xml&storylist=cleveland

2/5/2006, 12:31 p.m. ET
By MARC LEVY
The Associated Press

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — In an ambitious $3 billion plan, the nation's largest power generator has proposed building a 550-mile power line stretched atop 13-story towers to bring surplus electricity from coal-fired plants in Appalachia and the Midwest to the power-hungry eastern seaboard.

American Electric Power Co.'s initial proposed route would take the high-voltage power line through scenic mountain recreation areas of West Virginia, up through Maryland's midsection and across Pennsylvania's Amish country on its way to New Jersey.

Even if state regulators balk, that might not be enough to stop the project.

The Columbus,Ohio-based company's plan could provide one of the first tests of a new law, enacted last year, that allows federal regulators to use the power of eminent domain to override states that do not approve a transmission line that has a demonstrated interstate interest...

[Kolesar]

1. We need eastern state landowners to pressure govt for efficiency programs

We have a great ally here in the fight against coal consumption, smog/pollution, and global warming gasses. California is the model for efficiency in new home/commercial construction. NY, NJ, CT and other east coast states also suffer from the pollution from coal. Their governments have an incentive to cut electricity consumption.