New Site!

Go see the new site! I won't be updating this one any more.

http://www.dropthelines.com

See you there!

PPL Uses Eminent Domain in Bucks!

I just came across this and wanted to pass it along. PPL is attempting to use eminent domain in Bucks County. Remember when I asked the question if they would be pursuing eminent domain if the PUC turned down their initial proposal?

If you follow this link,

http://www.puc.state.pa.us/General/Hearings.aspx?ShowDetail=06/02/2008

You will see 5 hearing scheduled for the week of June 2nd, 2008 against individual land owners. Here's what each one says...

For a finding and determination that the service to be furnished by the applicant through its proposed exercise of the Power of Eminent Domain to acquire a right-of-way and easement for the construction, operation and maintenance of the proposed Coopersburg #1 and #2 138/69 kV Tap Reconstruction over and across the lands of (landowner's name) in (township name), Bucks County is necessary or proper for the service, accommodation, convenience or safety to the public.

Scary, no?

Lehigh Elementary School

Unfortunately, the location of Lehigh Elementary School (in Lehigh Township) is less than desirable. According to the map and based on it's proximity to Bossard's Corner, it is within 4,000 ft of the 500 kV line.

The reason why I would move is not only because my children would have to live within 200 ft of the line, but when they went to school, they wouldn't even get a break!

I think I just found the way to get more people in Lehigh Township involved.

Northampton Meeting in the News

The meeting last night was in some of the local media last night and this morning. I can't seem to find a link though to the Channel 69 News story.

http://www.mcall.com/news/local/all-5ppl.6480320jun27,0,4644839.story

http://www.pennlive.com/expresstimes/stories/index.ssf?/base/news-17/1214539539301250.xml&coll=2

Also, Bernie O'Hare has posted a blog entry about State Rep. Craig Dally's opposition to Option C
that is well worth the read.

http://lehighvalleyramblings.blogspot.com/2008/06/stae-rep-dally-to-ppl-we-dont-need-no.html

Congratulations on a job well done!

I think I speak for everyone when I say - Great job over the past week in getting the word out. I was thrilled when I pulled in at 5PM and saw how many people showed up. Your dedication to this cause definitely had PPL scrambling a bit tonight, which was excellent to see. The rumors were that about 500 people showed up tonight (estimates by PPL mostly). We got tons of email addresses and signatures and got to meet each other, which was the best part of the evening (besides watching them squirm a bit).

In case you were not aware or involved, we had a mini-town hall style meeting in the back room of the Community Center for about an hour and a half. PPL was trying to keep the group small initially, but it ended up being over 100 people. Greg Smith was kind enough to answer questions, but it was clear that many of us wanted to not only ask questions, but also make sure they understood our opinions. It was great to see our group band together and remind PPL that they used to care about the environment, that we have real families involved here who love the Appalachian Trail and the rural beauty of Blue Mountain (and will fight for it), and that our lives are in jeopardy of being ruined and commercialized for their shareholders profits.

Check out this blog to catch up on the story so far. Many of you have the new address - http://www.dropthelines.com, but it's not up yet! I just bought it this morning. There are documents, information on contacting government officials, template letters to use and it is only going to grow. We need to keep the heat on PPL. Just because their meeting is done, that doesn't mean our job is!

Thanks again and it was a pleasure to meet you all.

File an Informal Complaint with the PUC

This link was forwarded over to me today. We can file an informal complaint with the PUC prior to them getting an official proposal from PPL. Just go to

http://www.puc.state.pa.us/General/informal_complaint_form.aspx

and fill out the information. Keep in mind that the PUC is aware of the PPL Transmission line proposal as it has appeared in a recent newsletter, but PPL has not formally submitted anything yet since the decision has not been made.

If you prefer snail mail, write them at
Bureau of Consumer Services
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission
P.O. BOX 3265
Harrisburg, PA. 17105-3265

On the right side of this page, I've also added a very informative link to how the PUC submission process for transmission lines works. You can go directly to it here"

http://www.puc.state.pa.us/general/consumer_ed/pdf/Transmission_Lines.pdf

Lehigh Valley Ramblings Blog

Bernie O'Hare has written an excellent article on his "Lehigh Valley Ramblings" blog. His reasons for PPL building the transmission line are spot on - they are even mentioned in PJM's long term assessment of the line.

I highly recommend you check it out!

http://lehighvalleyramblings.blogspot.com/2008/06/big-coal-real-reason-why-ppl-wants.html