ATC sent the attached statement to the Department of Energy on Friday, July 6^th, their deadline for input on a proposal to designate an immense “corridor” in eight eastern states and the District of Columbia. I am also attaching a map prepared by the National Park Service showing the eastern National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor (NIETC) and affected national park units in the east. For additional background see Power Line Proposals on ATC’s website.

In addition to the proposals described there, PJM, the 13-state eastern power cooperative, has apparently approved additional crossings in eastern Pennsylvania. Please forward any late-breaking information on power lines affecting the Appalachian National Scenic Trail to my attention.

Of potentially equal or greater concern are plans by the power lobby to increase coal-fired power generation in Kentucky, southwest Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio and western Pennsylvania leading to greater air pollution, ozone, acid rain and related health and environmental effects downwind on eastern residents and the Appalachian environment not to mention global climate consequences as well.

Bob

Robert Proudman
Director of Conservation Operations
Appalachian Trail Conservancy
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