Business, Labor Groups Urge Energy Transmission Upgrades - State Journal

CHARLESTON -- A coalition of business and labor groups recently reaffirmed their support for a "reliable" energy transmission grid for the nation -- a position that puts them in favor of two controversial high-voltage line projects in the state.

West Virginians for Reliable Power had a news conference at the state Capitol Feb. 16 to announce its support for upgrading the region's electric transmission infrastructure, which members said would maintain power reliability and enhance the state's economy.

Speakers touched on but didn't go into great detail about proposals to build two separate high-voltage transmission corridors in the state. The Trans-Allegheny Interstate Line (TrAIL) and the Potomac Appalachian Transmission Highline (PATH) are opposed by residents who worry about the lines' environmental impacts as well as their potential to drive down property values.

Instead, speakers talked about what they characterized as the need for a stable energy system as energy demand grows.

"Like our roads, sewers and water lines, our electric infrastructure is aging and, according to the energy experts, not able to meet future demands," Kenny Perdue, president of the West Virginia AFL-CIO, said. "Even in a down economy ... we know that electricity demand will continue to increase over time."

West Virginians for Reliable Power lists more than 90 businesses, unions and industry trade groups among its membership. The coalition argues West Virginia will benefit from upgrading the nation's transmission infrastructure through job creation and tax revenue.

"It is very plain and simple: This is about infrastructure, and this is about jobs," said Jan Vineyard, president of the West Virginia Business & Industry Council.

Vineyard said that one of the four primary contractors working on PATH is employing 100 people on the project, paying them an average of $51,000 in salaries and wages. That same contractor purchased $9 million in materials, $3 million in equipment and $1 million in fuel.

"These are the types of projects that get our economy moving and that we need to make for infrastructure development, and it benefits all those around us," she said.

Dave Efew, secretary-treasurer of the West Virginia State Building Trades Council, cited a 2009 West Virginia University study that concluded PATH would generate $1 billion in business volume sales during a four-year period and create the equivalent of 5,700 jobs.

"These jobs are jobs West Virginians can use right now, and it is time to take a proactive approach to infrastructure development," he said.

No opponents of either project were at the meeting. Opponents of the TrAIL project were dealt a setback last year when the state Public Service Commission gave the companies a green light to move forward. The PSC is still considering PATH.

Shame on the union leaders for falling for this ruse by the power companies. It's not surprising they have formed a new group to try convince fellow West Virginians that the PATH monstrosity will provide jobs for their membership. Any jobs will be temporary, and the power companies will bring most of the workers in from other states, especially the high paying jobs. Allegheny Power did an abysmal job with their original application, which is why Maryland rejected them outright, and AEP had to withdraw the one in Virginia. Virginia also insisted on current facts about the need, and guess what? AEP couldn't prove the need, in fact, energy use has decreased in the past couple of years, and continues to decrease. This is simply about greed, and the CEOs want to get another $67 million bonus. Electricity rates will increase, and ultimately, ALL West Virginians will pay for PATH, yet not one of us will benefit since the energy is going to New Jersey, and their governor has already said they don't want coal-based energy. The only people benefiting will be the CEOs, and I guess the Union leaders.

Perhaps you should ask the power companies how many opponents were invited to their secret meeting? How many did you contact, Walt? This article is a farce and an example of poor journalism. Facts are wrong an there is only one side of the story represented. PATH and TrAIL are opposed BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT NEEDED. The opposition has been saying this all along, and it has been proven in the Virginia case. Which opponent told you the reason you printed? Or did they power companies give you that reason? Here's something you can print... the power companies are for this project because they are greedy and stand to make a huge profit at the detriment of West Virginians. Would you print that? How many of these 5700 jobs are for West Virginians? 100? Doesn't sound like much of a benefit at all

Walt, I haven't met a single citizen in WV who favors the PATH (unless they have a dollar to make). Health risks, environmental factors, lack of need, and property values are just a few reasons people are against this 1950's project. Talk to the people of WV, VA, and MD to get their opinions about this greedy project. AYE desperatley needs to increase their revenue (look at their stock price over the past 3 years) and their CEO banked 67 million last year on top of that. That kind of greed requires earnings growth. Aye & Aep are willing use FERC to bypass the citizens of this state to ensure their stock price rebounds and the PATH is approved. This process takes away the rights of the states and it's citizens in the process. Is that American?

Why didn't we hear about this pep rally meeting of propaganda? There are thousands of anti-Path folks by the way, and we're incredibly motivated to stop this project at any cost. Your event was paid for and put on by AYE with their typical smoke and mirror tactics...... Unbelievable!!!!!!

Please realize this project isn't needed and the CEO of AEP has made public comments about the demand curve and how it's decreasing. The PATH and TRAIL only hurt the state of WV through higher rates, environmental issues, health risks, decreasing property value (would you buy a hom beside such a monstrosity?), scenic eye sores, etc.. The vast majority of citizens oppose this project. Don't fall victim to AYE's propaganda machine......

The comments about job creation and stimulus from this project is laughable when compared to the many reasons this toxic project shouldn't happen. The dollar loss of propery value, higher rates, WV's reputation, and tourism far out weigh the VERY temporary stimulus associated with the job creation and spending for this project.

Will the writer of this story please correct the misinformation in the last pararaph. TrAIL was approved by the WVPSC PATH will not be rulled on until febuary 2011 by the PSC. You are causing many people to scratch their heads

Mr. Williams, You need to do a little journalistic research. First you got PATH and TrAIL mixed up. Then you seen to have bought all the misinformation the power companies provided at their little propaganda fest. Read the expert testimony provided in the Virginia SCC case last fall which showed clearly that PATH will not be needed. Even the Regional Transmission Organization admitted that its forecasting about PATH was wrong. If you are going to offer opinions about these transmission projects, you should at least try to get the facts.

Walt,

The Trail project was approved last year. The PATH project is still being reviewed by the PSC. There are many reasons why citizens oppose these lines. The most obvious being that there has been a decrease in the demand for electricity. The most recent PJM forcast shows this decrease. PATH & TrAIL will increase our electric rates and our taxes while most jobs will go to out of state workers. How does this help WV? You should write an article about the alternatives to high voltage powerlines.

dont want it! dont need it! will ruin our property and our lives!!!! those who say we need it ,probably dont have it going aross their property, or have to hear it all the time, or have the weed killler giving them cancer or their kids birth defects.read up on this thing people its a killer!!!!!!