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The U.S. Department of Energy is prepared to grant eminent domain powers to private interstate power transmission companies for the construction of massive 500 KV transmission lines 10-16 story high without regard to Virginia’s State Corporation Commission, other state energy regulatory bodies, or state laws protecting private property owners. I testified before the U.S. Department of Energy against this DOE proposal in May, 2007 in Arlington, Virginia. The authority for the US Energy Department to designate National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors (NIETC) was authorized by Congress in 2005. Virginians are not the primary users of the electricity generated under this multi-state proposal. In Virginia alone the transmission lines would affect Frederick, Warren, Rappahannock, Culpeper, Fauquier, Prince William and Loudoun Counties. Energy alternatives with less adverse impact on private land, public open space, neighborhoods, historic sites, historic districts, magnificent view sheds and conservation easements are not required to be considered under the 2005 federal energy law. U.S. DOE has already designated 116,600 square miles covering eight states and the District of Columbia with a population of almost 50 million people as a National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor. Another NIETC affects many western states. No environmental impact studies have been conducted. No alternatives to building transmission facilities have been considered. Little to no consultation from DOE with affected states’ electric regulatory bodies, Attorneys Generals, local communities or landowners has taken place. If DOE issues the final electric utility corridor determinations, they will be in place for 12 years. I want Congress to amend the 2005 federal energy law to:
In Virginia, my 2007 law, HB 3130, empowered local governments to designate power line corridors, including underground lines. |
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