EC December 2010

ec@lists.wvsierraclub.org

9 participants
31 discussions

Fwd: Fw: "Fracking Wonderland" video on you tube
by James Kotcon 20 Dec '10

20 Dec '10

Merry Christmas. May this little clip light up your holiday spirit (your fighting spirit, that is). JBK >>> Paula Carrell <Paula.Carrell(a)sierraclub.org> 12/16/2010 2:48 PM >>> --------------------------- cc:Mail Users----------------------------- ** Remember to DELETE the 'Sender: ...' lines above before REPLYing ** ---------------------------------------------------------------------- For those working on Shale Gas issues: Fracking Wonderland. A Christmas shout-out for all our friends at the Gas & Oil Commissions! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-R4rYXdDhI&feature=player_embedded ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To get off this list, send email to: LISTSERV(a)LISTS.SIERRACLUB.ORG Make the message text (not the Subject): SIGNOFF CONS-FRED

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FW: call or e-mail Rockefeller!
by Grubb, Karen 16 Dec '10

16 Dec '10

From: Vickie Wolfe [mailto:ibtreehugger@gmail.com] Sent: Thursday, December 16, 2010 8:19 PM To: Ben Stout; Bill Becker; Carol Warren; cindyrank; Daniel Chiotos; haning2; Frank Young; James Kotcon; Jeff Biggers; Kathryn Stone; matt noerpel; Matt Sherald; Rory McIlmoil; Vivian Stockman; Don Alexander; asd; ashevillejoe; bbailey; benji; Bill Price; Brenda Wilson home; Charles Pique; Chuck Wyrostok; connigl; dana.kuhnline; Dave Cooper; dbady; Gary Zuckett; info; Janet Keating; Jim Sconyers; Joe Jarrell; John Palmer; John Stone; johnwilkinson2; joseph mathis; Julia Sendor; Julian Martin; Julie Archer; JW Randolph; Grubb, Karen; Leslee McCarty; lisadaniels; Mary Wildfire; maryanne.hitt; matt; Mel Tyree PhD; mhendryx; Mike Harman; mjanes; mmany; Norm Steenstra; Patricia Feeney; Randy White; Ray Haning; Rick Wilson; Robin Wilson; Rose Edington; Sally Shepherd; Sarah Halstead; savanna lyons; swatson; Ted Boettner; Tom Pendleton; Trevor Swan; unclesteve197; Vernon Haltom; webb.bo; Willa Mays; bill.mccabe; jeff; Antrim Caskey; Bob Kincaid; bobby mitchell Subject: call or e-mail Rockefeller! from Coal Tattoo: http://blogs.wvgazette.com/coaltattoo/2010/12/16/w-va-sen-jay-rockefeller-t… This just in from the office of West Virginia Sen. Jay Rockefeller: Senator Jay Rockefeller has informed Senate Leadership that he will insist on a vote on his EPA-suspension legislation this year. If left with no other option, Senator Rockefeller will seek to suspend the rules on the Omnibus Appropriations bill to bring up his legislation. I.e., this is legislation to suspend for two years EPA's authority to regulate GHGs from stationary sources, like coal-fired power plants. Let him know how you feel about this!! His e-dress is senator(a)rockefeller.senate.gov<mailto:senator@rockefeller.senate.gov> -- ```````````````````````````````````````````````````` Vickie L. Wolfe PHONE: (304) 744-8777 E-MAIL: IBTreehugger(a)gmail.com<mailto:IBTreehugger@gmail.com> ```````````````````````````````````````````````````` "It is horrifying that we have to fight our own government to save our environment." -Ansel Adams "At the present time, there are six billion people on this planet pursuing a vision that is devouring the earth. That's our problem . . . Our problem is a world-devouring vision that six billion people are pursuing. "Now what can we do about this vision? We can't legislate it away or vote it away or organize it or even shoot it away. We can only teach it away. If the world is saved, it will be saved by people with changed minds, people with a new vision. . . . That's our path of hope for the future." --Daniel Quinn, 2000

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Need letters re: PATH Power Line
by Frank Young 14 Dec '10

14 Dec '10

BlankThe proposed PATH power line would be an "interstate highway" to ship even more Mountaintop Removal coal from the Ohio Valley to east coast cities. We have a unique opportunity and a short window of time to have the application for this unnecessary monstrosity dismissed by the WV Public Service Commission. NOW WE NEED YOUR HELP! We need you to write a short letter (one sentence will do) and send it - by fax, if possible, because speed is important! - to the PSC and copy them to our new governor, Earl Ray Tomblin. (Addresses/fax numbers below.) You CAN'T just say you're against PATH (that's kind of a given, you know?), you need to tie it to the PSC staff's motion to dismiss the PATH application. ALWAYS include the case number. Something like: RE: Case No. 09-0770-E-CN - Potomac Appalachian Transmission Highline (PATH) I urge the members of the Public Service Commission to accept the recommendation of its staff that the PATH application should be dismissed. [Then sign your name, including your address.] Here's where to send it: Ms. Sandra Squire Executive Secretary Public Service Commission of West Virginia 201 Brooks Street Charleston, West Virginia 25301 Fax: 304-340-0325 cc: The Hon. Earl Ray Tomblin Office of the Governor 1900 Kanawha Blvd E Charleston, WV 25305 Phone: (304) 558-2000 Fax: (304) 342-7025 You can email the governor using this link: http://www.governor.wv.gov/Pages/contact.aspx. Just copy and paste it into your browser. Thanks, everyone! Our efforts are making a difference in this fight, and we need you to help keep it going! WV Environmental Council Government Affairs Committee Frank Young, Chair

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Re: [EC] WV PSC Staff 'Drops the Bomb' on PATH
by James Kotcon 12 Dec '10

12 Dec '10

As an organizational intervenor, we are required to go through our attorney on this. I have contacted Elena and Abbie for input, and will work with Bill on any filing. Please note that this motion to dismiss came from PSC Staff, not the Consumer Advocate Division as discussed in some e-mail chains. I certianly would encourage individuals to file comments in support of the Motion, but the Club's response must come from our attorneys. JBK >>> Jonathan Rosenbaum 12/11/10 5:52 PM >>> I received a copy from the WvaPath yahoo group where it was requested that "Everyone, I mean _everyone_, who is an intervenor needs to file a simple joinder statement to the PSC staff's motion to dismiss. You can put it in the form of a formal filing, or you can send it as a letter." Sounds like we need to do more than just watch PSC activity on this one. -Jonathan On 12/11/2010 4:20 PM, James Kotcon wrote: While this is indeed good news, it is worth noting that we were at about this point with TrAIL. During the evidentiary hearings, we had largely refuted all of TrAILCo's claims. In their final briefs, Staff had recommended against the line. At that point TrAILCo went into high pressure, back room "negotiations" to make a deal. We have no direct evidence that the Governor's Office got involved, but based on the e-mails from PSC Staff, I think it was likely. At any rate, two months later, Staff "agreed" to (or was told to agree to) a Settlement which added a few additional jobs and the TrAILCo line was approved. I recommend that we keep a constant watch on PSC Staff activity over the next few weeks. As they say, "Fool Me Twice, Shame On Me!" Jim Kotcon >>> "Frank Young" 12/10/10 10:58 PM >>> >From Bill Howley's 'The Power Line' blog- available at: http://calhounpowerline.com/ -------------------------------------------------------- WV PSC Legal Staff Files Motion to Dismiss PATH Application December 10, 2010 The PSC lawyers hit every single issue we have been presenting here on The Power Line for the last month. In particular, the staff points to Dominion’s Alternative 1 as being far superior to PATH in every respect. The staff cites the multiple results of PJM’s failure to consider Alternative 1 as being the primary reasons why AEP/Allegheny’s PATH application no longer meets the basic standards for a high voltage transmission line certificate of need as set out in WV statutes. The motion to dismiss is a recitation of all of the failures of PJM’s transmission planning process. The motion is a direct assault on PJM’s deceptive, misleading and contorted actions as more and better alternatives to PATH have appeared in the last year. The staff concludes: Staff moves the Commission (1) to dismiss PATH’S Application without prejudice; (2) permit for re-filing once a new analysis has been completed that includes all the recent developments; (3) order the Applicants to file updated testimony in regards to the economic and environmental aspects of this project, including a discussion of the need to rebuild the Pruntytown-Mt. Storm line. [the part of Alternative 1 that is owned by Allegheny] The staff’s motion effectively requires AEP/Allegheny and PJM to make a fair assessment of all viable alternatives to PATH within any new PATH application. Now it is up to the Commissioners of the WV PSC to stand up for our state against the self-appointed power company cartel, PJM Interconnection. The Commission staff has stated the case clearly for all to see. Their motion is a masterful summary of all that is wrong with the PATH project and PJM’s corrupt “planning” process. http://calhounpowerline.com/ __._,_.___ Reply to sender | Reply to group | Reply via web post | Start a New Topic Messages in this topic (1) Recent Activity: Visit Your Group Working since 1967 for the conservation and wise management of West Virginia's natural resources Switch to: Text-Only, Daily Digest * Unsubscribe * Terms of Use . __,_._,___ _______________________________________________ EC mailing list EC(a)osenergy.org http://osenergy.org/mailman/listinfo/ec

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Fw: PATH LINE may get dismissed - YOUR HELP IS NEEDED FAST - act by
by Jim Sconyers 11 Dec '10

11 Dec '10

Jim Sconyers jim_scon(a)yahoo.com 304.698.9628 Remember: Mother Nature bats last. ----- Forwarded Message ---- From: Tina Rappaport <tinazipp(a)gmail.com> Sent: Sat, December 11, 2010 2:07:16 PM Subject: PATH LINE may get dismissed - YOUR HELP IS NEEDED FAST - act by Dear friends across the beautiful state of West Virginia, We are at a historic crossroad and YOU can make a difference. The Consumer Advocate Division of the WV Public Service Commission has recommended to the Commission that the PATH application be dismissed, for now. We are pushing for you and all your friends, relatives and neighbors to flood the WV PSC with a brief letter of support by Tuesday, Dec. 14th or sooner. Summarized details about this latest development can be found below and the full document may be accessed on Bill Howley's blog What you need to know is that this is huge and we want the PSC to listen to the PSC's Consumer Advocate Division AND the good people of West Virginia. Please send a short note and have everyone you know do the same. This is the moment to act and encourage others to do the same. You may use this simple note: Send and address to: (You can save a stamp if you scan your letter and email it to Ali Haverty at almahaverty(a)gmail.com and she'll FAX it in) Sandra Squire Executive Secretary Public Service Commission of West Virginia 201 Brooks Street Charleston, West Virginia 25301 DATE: December ____, 2010 RE: Case Number: 09-0770-E-CN To the Commissioners of the West Virginia Public Service Commission, I/We fully support the PSC staff's motion to dismiss this case. Respectfully yours, (Your Name/s and address) INTERVENORS - Bill Howley isn't worrying about serving those not on the PSC email list this time, and I suggest we all follow suit and just get this done fast and simple. Read below for more details. My best always, Tina Rappaport, 304-655-0003 ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Folks whether or not you are an intervernor or not you should send a note to the West Virginia PSC Today NOW ASAP stating your support for the PSC’s Staff’s motion to Dismiss the PATH Case. The address of the PSC and case number as a reminder. The case number should be on all correspondence. The PATH case number is 09-0770-E-CN. The WV PSC Address - Sandra Squire Executive Secretary Public Service Commission of West Virginia 201 Brooks Street Charleston, West Virginia 25301 Please do this Now…John Cobb Here is Bill Howely’s not to us all on this Important Need… From:WVaPATH@yahoogroups.com [mailto:WVaPATH@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Bill Howley Everyone, I mean everyone, who is intervenor in the PATH Case needs to file a simple joinder statement to the PSC staff's motion to dismiss. You can put it in the form of a formal filing, or you can send it as a letter. I'm not going to worry about serving everyone else by mail on this one. We just need to overwhelm the Commissioners with a major show of support for the motion to dismiss. This may be our only shot at killing this thing. We need to pull out all the stops and get it done by the middle of next week. Take a few minutes and bang out a simple statement "I fully support the PSC staff's motion to dismiss." It can be that simple. But we have to let the Commissioners know that people across the state want this stopped. Invite everyone you know who is not an intervenor to send letters. This is a great time for everyone else to get their nose into the PSC case. To help you understand today’s Motion to Dismiss the Path Case I have excerpt key portions of the PSC Staff’s Motion to Dismiss…feel free to use any portion of this or just state your support the Staff’s Motion to dismiss…John Cobb! This is a (simplified recap) of the PSC’s Staff’s Motion to Dismiss PATH12/10/2010: The Staffof the West Virginia Public Service Commission respectfully submits Staff’s Motion, requesting that the Commission dismiss Power Companies application for PATH as insufficient, or in the alternative, require the Applicants to request a tolling and implement further case processing procedures. Staff asserts certain new developments pertaining to the status of the Dominion Power Alternative 1, to PATH to Rebuild the Mt. Storm-Doubs 500kV, transmission line…and to rebuild the Mt Storm – Pruntytown transmission line at a lower cost than the PATH project means that theCommission does not have all the information it needs to properly evaluate this PATH project and other reasonable alternatives. Further, the result ofthese rebuilds will be a more stable line with 65% increased capacity. Now, the owner of that line needs to rebuild it because of the advanced age of its infrastructure and the inherent danger of a collapse. The Staff of the PSC asserts that “It is ludicrous to continue to move forward with the PATH project while major changes are being contemplated for critical transmission infrastructures that should be factored into assessment of the need for PATH.” The Staff further asserts that, “Certain PJM approved upgrades to the transmission system have potentially moved all potential future voltage violations and potential blackouts out beyond 2019.” It is now possible that the PATH project might not be needed until 2020 or beyond. Given the lack of information concerning a full and meaningful evaluation of these issues, Staff believes this Application as currently filed is incomplete and should be dismissed. The estimated cost for the entirety of Dominion Rebuild Alternative 1, is $500-600 million as compared to over $2.1 billion for the PATH project. The Staff further declares “Even more glaring, the “Liberty” project alternative all located in Pennsylvania, which is several hundred million dollars cheaper than PATH and resolves all of the thermal and reactive violations through 2025, has been rejected as a replacement for by PATH by PJM and the Power Companies because it does not provide as much of a megawatt margin as the PATH project.” Under West Virginia Code 524-2-1 la(d)( l), a proposed transmission line must 66.. .economically, adequately and reliably contribute to meeting the present and anticipated requirements for electric power ...” As PJM has not done so, Staff believes the Applicants need to provide an analysis and testimony as to how PATH economically contributes to meeting the requirements for electric power in light of viable alternatives that are significantly cheaper and provide most of the same benefits. Once again, the Application as it is currently filed lacks information as to how the PATH project strikes this balance in light of the alternatives that have been proposed. This omission is especially striking for Dominion Alternative 1. That alternative involves the rebuild of two lines and the addition of voltage compensators, actions which will occur on existing rights-of-way, which will result in the taking of little to no additional public land, and which should have very little environmental impact, especially compared to PATH. The question that comes to mind given these factors is does PATH represent a reasonable balance betweenreasonable power needs and reasonable environmental factors when there is an alternative that will have substantially lower environmental impacts that resolves the identified power problems in the near and medium term? Staff believes this Application is further deficient due to the lack of that analysis and should be dismissed. Obviously, this analysis and the economic analysis should focus on, but not necessarily be limited too, Dominion Alternative 1 as this Commission, the State of West Virginia and its residents all have a large stake in that alternative and a portion of that alternative has already been approved by PJM. Further, it is reasonable to include in any new testimony a discussion of the need to rebuild the Pruntytown-Mt. Storm line. The rebuild of that line is a major component of Dominion Alternative 1, that line is approximately the same age as the Mt. Storm-Doubs line which needs to be rebuilt due to its age, and is owned by a subsidiary of Allegheny Power, the parent of one of the Applicants in this proceeding. Therefore, Staff moves the Commission (1) to dismiss PATH’S Application without prejudice; (2) permit for re-filing once a new analysis has been completed that includes all the recent developments; (3) order the Applicants to file updated testimony in regards to the economic and environmental aspects of this project, including a discussion of the need to rebuild the Pruntytown-Mt. Storm line. John Cobb 2/11/2010 304-452-9634

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Fw: HISTORIC VICTORY: NYS Becomes First State to Prohibit Hydrofracking!
by Jim Sconyers 11 Dec '10

11 Dec '10

Jim Sconyers jim_scon(a)yahoo.com 304.698.9628 Remember: Mother Nature bats last. ----- Forwarded Message ---- From: Catskill Mountainkeeper <info(a)catskillmountainkeeper.org> To: jim_scon(a)yahoo.com Sent: Sat, December 11, 2010 5:02:22 PM Subject: HISTORIC VICTORY: NYS Becomes First State to Prohibit Hydrofracking! Having trouble viewing this email? Click here You're receiving this email because of your relationship with Catskill Mountainkeeper. Please confirm your continued interest in receiving email from us. You may unsubscribe if you no longer wish to receive our emails. Catskill Mountainkeeper BREAKING NEWS December 11, 2010 HISTORIC VICTORY FOR THE CITIZENS OF NEW YORK STATE In an amazing victory for the citizens of New York State, Governor David A. Paterson has issued an Executive Order directing the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to conduct further comprehensive review and analysis of high-volume hydraulic fracturing in the Marcellus Shale. The Executive Order requires that, if approved, high-volume, horizontal hydraulic fracturing would not be permitted until July 1, 2011, at the earliest. New York State becomes the first state to have a formal prohibition on high volume horizontal hydrofacking because of concerns about environmental impacts. Regretablly instead of signing the "Moratorium Bill" legislation sent to him that included a prohibition on vertical hyrdofracking that was passed by on overwhelming bi partisan majority in both houses of the State government he decided instead to succumb to industry pressure and issue the Executive Order that eliminates vertical wells from the prohibition. While the Executive Order is historic and proves that our concerns over hydrofracking are legitimate it is also a disappointment because vertical wells are also dangerous. The gas and oil industry lobby deliberately misinterpreted a section of the Moratorium Bill claiming it would bring all gas drilling in New York State to a halt. The bill only specified a moratorium on drilling for wells using hydrofracking, whether they are vertically or horizontally drilled. A moratorium banning the fracking of vertical wells is very important for several reasons: 1. Gas companies have been clear that they plan to drill vertical wells in the Utica and Marcellus shale with the intention of converting them to horizontal wells. 2. While the State Senate was considering a two-year moratorium on horizontal wells the gas industry threatened to drill and frack 16 vertical wells every square mile in retribution if a moratorium on fracked horizontal wells was passed. 3. Some of the worst water contamination problems, such as in Dimock, PA came from vertical wells drilled and fractured in the Marcellus Shale. We now look to Governor Elect Andrew Cuomo to protect the Citizens of New York from the dangers of hydro fracking by any method including vertical drilling and horizontal drilling and including all shale formations. BELOW IS THE GOVERNORS PRESS RELEASE To embed this news release, copy the code below and paste it into your website or blog. http://readme.readmedia.com/Governor-Paterson-Issues-Executive-Order-on-Hyd…</a>' width='572' height='490' border='0' frameborder='0'>Preview Governor Paterson Issues Executive Order on Hydraulic Fracturing * by New York State Office of the Governor ALBANY, NY (12/11/2010)(readMedia)-- Governor David A. Paterson has issued an Executive Order directing the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to conduct further comprehensive review and analysis of high-volume hydraulic fracturing in the Marcellus Shale. The Executive Order requires that, if approved, high-volume, horizontal hydraulic fracturing would not be permitted until July 1, 2011, at the earliest. This should allay any fears that high-volume hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling under study by DEC will commence without assurances of safety. "We in government must always focus on protecting the well-being of those whom we represent and serve, but we also have an obligation to look to the future and protect the long-term interests for our State and its residents," Governor Paterson said. "Therefore, I am proud to issue this Executive Order, which will guarantee that before any high-volume, horizontal hydraulic fracturing is permitted, the Department of Environmental Conversation will complete its studies and certify that such operations are safe." Permits for high-volume, horizontal hydraulic fracturing can not be issued until the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) completes a Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement (SGEIS), which is currently being developed. As a result, there is already in place a de-facto moratorium on such permits. The Governor issued the Executive Order contemporaneously with his veto of S.8129-B/A.11443-B, which would have suspended the issuance of new oil and gas drilling permits through May 15, 2011, including all conventional, low-volume, vertical oil and gas wells. "This legislation, which was well intentioned, would have a serious impact on our State if signed into law. Enacting this legislation would put people out of work - work that is permitted by the Department of Environmental Conservation and causes no demonstrated environmental harm, in order to effectuate a moratorium that is principally symbolic," Governor Paterson said. "Symbols can have great importance, but particularly in our current terrible economic straits, I cannot agree to put individuals out of work for a symbolic act." "I am sympathetic to the sponsors' desire to protect the environment and public health, and I respect the concerns that produced this legislation," the Governor continued. "But this legislation does not accomplish this purpose, since the activities at the heart of the moratorium are not currently taking place, and would not take place until well after the legislation's proposed moratorium." The bill goes well beyond high-volume, horizontal hydraulic fracturing and effectively would result in a moratorium on all new oil and gas well drilling in this State. The cessation of such new activity, even for a limited period, would have substantial negative financial consequences for the State, local governments, landowners and small businesses involved in conventional oil and gas production. The Division of the Budget estimates that the bill would cause a substantial reduction in State revenues from the loss of permit fees and tax revenue. With a $315 million budget gap in the current fiscal year, and a projected gap of over $9 billion in the 2011-12 State fiscal year, New York simply cannot afford to send hundreds and perhaps thousands of jobs, and millions of dollars in capital investment to Pennsylvania and other states to our south. ### Additional news available at www.ny.gov/governor | High resolution images available at www.ny.gov/governor/mediaimages | password: paterson | New York State | Executive Chamber | press.office(a)chamber.state.ny.us | 212.681.4640 | 518.474.8418 | Follow us on Facebook and Twitter Support Mountainkeeper This is a complex and extended battle requiring tremendous resources. Catskill Mountainkeeper needs your financial support to continue to represent you in this fight. About Catskill Mountainkeeper Catskill Mountainkeeper is an independent, not for profit, 501c3 community based environmental advocacy organization, dedicated to creating a flourishing sustainable economy in the Catskills and preserving and protecting the area's long term health. We address issues of water integrity for the Delaware and Susquehanna River Systems, the defense of the vast woodlands that encompass the Catskill Forest Preserve and the New York City Watershed as well as farmland protection. We promote "smart" development that balances the economic needs and concerns of the Catskill regions' citizens and the protection of our abundant but exceedingly vulnerable natural resources. Forward email This email was sent to jim_scon(a)yahoo.com by info(a)catskillmountainkeeper.org. Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Catskill Mountainkeeper | PO Box 381 | Youngsville | NY | 12791

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Re: [EC] WV PSC Staff 'Drops the Bomb' on PATH
by James Kotcon 11 Dec '10

11 Dec '10

While this is indeed good news, it is worth noting that we were at about this point with TrAIL. During the evidentiary hearings, we had largely refuted all of TrAILCo's claims. In their final briefs, Staff had recommended against the line. At that point TrAILCo went into high pressure, back room "negotiations" to make a deal. We have no direct evidence that the Governor's Office got involved, but based on the e-mails from PSC Staff, I think it was likely. At any rate, two months later, Staff "agreed" to (or was told to agree to) a Settlement which added a few additional jobs and the TrAILCo line was approved. I recommend that we keep a constant watch on PSC Staff activity over the next few weeks. As they say, "Fool Me Twice, Shame On Me!" Jim Kotcon >>> "Frank Young" 12/10/10 10:58 PM >>> >From Bill Howley's 'The Power Line' blog- available at: http://calhounpowerline.com/ -------------------------------------------------------- WV PSC Legal Staff Files Motion to Dismiss PATH Application December 10, 2010 The PSC lawyers hit every single issue we have been presenting here on The Power Line for the last month. In particular, the staff points to Dominion’s Alternative 1 as being far superior to PATH in every respect. The staff cites the multiple results of PJM’s failure to consider Alternative 1 as being the primary reasons why AEP/Allegheny’s PATH application no longer meets the basic standards for a high voltage transmission line certificate of need as set out in WV statutes. The motion to dismiss is a recitation of all of the failures of PJM’s transmission planning process. The motion is a direct assault on PJM’s deceptive, misleading and contorted actions as more and better alternatives to PATH have appeared in the last year. The staff concludes: Staff moves the Commission (1) to dismiss PATH’S Application without prejudice; (2) permit for re-filing once a new analysis has been completed that includes all the recent developments; (3) order the Applicants to file updated testimony in regards to the economic and environmental aspects of this project, including a discussion of the need to rebuild the Pruntytown-Mt. Storm line. [the part of Alternative 1 that is owned by Allegheny] The staff’s motion effectively requires AEP/Allegheny and PJM to make a fair assessment of all viable alternatives to PATH within any new PATH application. Now it is up to the Commissioners of the WV PSC to stand up for our state against the self-appointed power company cartel, PJM Interconnection. The Commission staff has stated the case clearly for all to see. Their motion is a masterful summary of all that is wrong with the PATH project and PJM’s corrupt “planning” process. http://calhounpowerline.com/ __._,_.___ Reply to sender | Reply to group | Reply via web post | Start a New Topic Messages in this topic (1) Recent Activity: Visit Your Group Working since 1967 for the conservation and wise management of West Virginia's natural resources Switch to: Text-Only, Daily Digest * Unsubscribe * Terms of Use . __,_._,___

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WV PSC Staff 'Drops the Bomb' on PATH
by Frank Young 10 Dec '10

10 Dec '10

>From Bill Howley's 'The Power Line' blog- available at: http://calhounpowerline.com/ -------------------------------------------------------- WV PSC Legal Staff Files Motion to Dismiss PATH Application December 10, 2010 The PSC lawyers hit every single issue we have been presenting here on The Power Line for the last month. In particular, the staff points to Dominion’s Alternative 1 as being far superior to PATH in every respect. The staff cites the multiple results of PJM’s failure to consider Alternative 1 as being the primary reasons why AEP/Allegheny’s PATH application no longer meets the basic standards for a high voltage transmission line certificate of need as set out in WV statutes. The motion to dismiss is a recitation of all of the failures of PJM’s transmission planning process. The motion is a direct assault on PJM’s deceptive, misleading and contorted actions as more and better alternatives to PATH have appeared in the last year. The staff concludes: Staff moves the Commission (1) to dismiss PATH’S Application without prejudice; (2) permit for re-filing once a new analysis has been completed that includes all the recent developments; (3) order the Applicants to file updated testimony in regards to the economic and environmental aspects of this project, including a discussion of the need to rebuild the Pruntytown-Mt. Storm line. [the part of Alternative 1 that is owned by Allegheny] The staff’s motion effectively requires AEP/Allegheny and PJM to make a fair assessment of all viable alternatives to PATH within any new PATH application. Now it is up to the Commissioners of the WV PSC to stand up for our state against the self-appointed power company cartel, PJM Interconnection. The Commission staff has stated the case clearly for all to see. Their motion is a masterful summary of all that is wrong with the PATH project and PJM’s corrupt “planning” process. http://calhounpowerline.com/ __._,_.___ Reply to sender | Reply to group | Reply via web post | Start a New Topic Messages in this topic (1) Recent Activity: Visit Your Group Working since 1967 for the conservation and wise management of West Virginia's natural resources Switch to: Text-Only, Daily Digest • Unsubscribe • Terms of Use. __,_._,___

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FW: Democracy for America Training Opportunity
by Grubb, Karen 10 Dec '10

10 Dec '10

From: Denise Binion [mailto:dbinion@gmail.com<mailto:dbinion@gmail.com>] Sent: Wednesday, December 08, 2010 8:44 PM To: Denise Binion Subject: Democracy for America Training Opportunity Hi everyone, I had a call from the National Democracy For America recently in response to a survey I filled out last month. They are interested in putting on the Campaign Academy training and it would be the first one ever for WV! They are very interested in promoting progressive politics in WV. They are also interested in tailoring the training to include specific projects that would be of interest or helpful to us (e.g. Marcellus Shale drilling/water protection, State Democratic Party Chair, as well as State and local issues. It would be great to have the benefit of the training before the start of the 2012 campaigns. I have talked with several people from various progressive groups throughout the state and there seems to be a lot of interest in attending this training. There certainly is a need and also a great deal of dissatisfaction within the Democratic Party over the way things are going. This is a great opportunity at a critical time in this state and the nation. We can't afford to cede any more ground to the Republicans and DINOcrats. WV is especially desperate for some real Democratic government. Since it's based on Howard Dean's 50 State Strategy, there is no reason why we couldn't turn it into a 55 county strategy and would certainly help Progressives. I'm thinking it is something that OFA members, Brain Trust, DFA, environmental organizations and other progressive groups around the state would be interested in. We are looking at Flatwoods as a meeting site, making it equally accessible for 1st CD, 2nd and 3rd CD folks. Registration cost will be ~ $70 ($40 for low income or students) + lodging cost which is yet to be negotiated. There is also a possibility for a limited amount of scholarships. They need 80-100 participants to hold the training. What are your thoughts about participating in this training and do you think there are others in your area organizations that may be interested. The way things look right now, we're on our own to promote Democratic policies. No one is going to this, it looks like we're going to have to save ourselves. Please send me your thoughts, ideas and suggestions. Denise Binion ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Don't tell me what you believe. Tell me what you do and I'll tell you what you believe. - Timothy Lange

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FW: [wvec-board] Marcellus Shale- on WV Public Broadcasting tonight (Thursday)
by Grubb, Karen 10 Dec '10

10 Dec '10

From: wvec-board(a)yahoogroups.com [mailto:wvec-board@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Frank Young Sent: Thursday, December 09, 2010 5:47 PM To: WVHCBOARD(a)yahoogroups.com; wvec-board(a)yahoogroups.com; Chuck Wyrostok Subject: [wvec-board] Marcellus Shale- on WV Public Broadcasting tonight (Thursday) Tonight on The Law Works (8:30 p.m. on WV PBS TV) host Dan Ringer takes on the legal topics around Marcellus Shale Gas drilling in West Virginia. Special guests are attorneys Kenneth Tawney and Andrew Graham. West Virginia Public Broadcasting<http://www.facebook.com/wvpubcast>: __._,_.___ Reply to sender<mailto:fyoung@mountain.net?subject=Re%3A%20Narcellus%20Shale-%20on%20WV%20Public%20Briadcasting%20tonight%20%28Thursday%29> | Reply to group<mailto:wvec-board@yahoogroups.com?subject=Re%3A%20Narcellus%20Shale-%20on%20WV%20Public%20Briadcasting%20tonight%20%28Thursday%29> | Reply via web post<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wvec-board/post;_ylc=X3oDMTJxbDlsbmxoBF9TAzk3…> | Start a New Topic<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wvec-board/post;_ylc=X3oDMTJmNmkxanNuBF9TAzk3…> Messages in this topic<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wvec-board/message/1952;_ylc=X3oDMTM1djZrZnF2…> (1) Recent Activity: Visit Your Group<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wvec-board;_ylc=X3oDMTJmcXZoc2VlBF9TAzk3MzU5N…> . __,_._,___

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EC December 2010