The following text was sent out via email alert on 07/14/2010:
It looks like PATH is gearing up for a second attempt at getting their transmission line approved and sited across three states. In June, PJM reaffirmed the “need” for PATH, and in early July, PATH submitted new testimony in West Virginia. We expect a new application to be submitted in Virginia and Maryland soon.
There are also scoping hearings being held by the National Parks Service, the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on July 19, 20, 21 and 22 to take public comment to help develop the scope of the federal review on the impact of the PATH project.
The Potomac Appalachian Transmission Highline (PATH) is a proposed $1.8 billion 200-plus mile long 765 kV extra high voltage electric transmission line linking the Amos substation (located adjacent to the nearly forty year old 2,933 MW coal-fired John E. Amos Power Plant located in western West Virginia) with a new substation proposed to be built in Frederick County, Maryland. PATH has been recommended by PJM Interconnection, the regional transmission organization. PJM is a consortium of power companies, transmission companies and other interested utilities. PATH is a joint project of AEP and Allegheny Power.
This summer, an unwanted clear-cut tore through the edge of the woods at Rick and Virginia Dorkey’s cattle farm near Bealeton, in Fauquier County. Construction crews put up a line of gigantic metal towers on the farm, jutting far above the trees. It’s impossible not to see them. The massive structures dominate the views across hayfields and pastures.
On Feb. 28, 2011, the regional electric grid manager, PJM, issued a statement saying that it has ordered development of the PATH transmission line to halt.
