Although he mistakenly believes that the PATH case has been tolled just because a motion to do so has been filed, Miller has a really interesting take on the way PATH is being looked at in the legislature. That's what Miller's column is all about -- a behind-the-scenes look at issues in Charleston and what is being said about them by our elected representatives.
Here's a link to Tom's take on the status of the PATH project. And here's a quote:
"MEANWHILE, the news that staff attorneys for the West Virginia Public Service Commission recommended that the long-distance PATH (Potomac Appalachian Highline) electric transmission line from Putnam County to Maryland not be authorized by the PSC suggests this project may not be the panacea many of its supporters claim.
This objection last week prompted American Electric Power and Allegheny Energy--the developers of this 275-mile, $2 billion project from the John Amos Power Plant in Putnam County to a site in Maryland--to ask the PSC for a six-month delay in the formal hearings on the project.
These two utility companies said the delay would allow more time to study and document the future electrical demands for the region. The hearings originally were to be in the spring of 2011 with a final PSC decision coming by July 28, 2011. Now the decision will be delayed until February of 2012.
PSC attorneys claim the project to construct a 765-kilovolt line is nothing more than a "huge extension cord" to East Coast population centers that will create more pollution-causing coal-fired power plant emissions in West Virginia. And PSC approval would also provide the power company with the right of eminent domain to acquire the rights of way from landowners."
Looks like PATH's goose is also cooked in the legislature. The citizens have been doing a little lobbying of their own, and it didn't cost a thing! The efforts of the citizens of West Virginia who have taken the time to get to know their elected representatives and make their views on PATH known have been successful. If you're one of these active voters, pat yourself on the back. Mission accomplished and job well done!