EC February 2011

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9 participants
36 discussions

Fwd: PATH press release
by James Kotcon 28 Feb '11

28 Feb '11

I plan to put out something tonight, hopefully by 8 PM. Does anyone want to add a quote? Jim Kotcon 304-293-8822 (office) 304-594-3322 (home) >>> "Cramer, Virginia" <virginia.cramer(a)sierraclub.org> 2/28/2011 4:16 PM >>> Hi all, Attached please find a press release drafted by Earthjustice. This version focuses on VA, but please feel free to adapt and send out in your states. It should only take a moment to change the dateline, add your contact info and substitute your quote from Glen's. Let me know if you have questions or want me to send it out in your state. I'm already planning to send to VA outlets. - ginny On Mon, Feb 28, 2011 at 12:23 PM, Pollard, Kate <kate.pollard(a)sierraclub.org > wrote: > I'm happy to help with VA press , but interested in others' thoughts on the > appropriate response. > Kate > > > On Mon, Feb 28, 2011 at 12:07 PM, Mark Kresowik < > Mark.Kresowik(a)sierraclub.org> wrote: > >> Is somebody doing pews on this? Sierra >> Club joint or coalition? >> >> -----Forwarded by Mark Kresowik/Sierraclub on 02/28/2011 12:02PM ----- >> >> ======================= >> To: Northeast <Northeast(a)earthjustice.org>, 'Elena Saxonhouse' < >> Elena.Saxonhouse(a)sierraclub.org>, 'Joanne Spalding' < >> Joanne.Spalding(a)sierraclub.org>, "'Dwooley(a)ef.org'" <Dwooley(a)ef.org>, >> Mark Kresowik <Mark.Kresowik(a)sierraclub.org>, 'Bob Fagan' < >> rfagan(a)synapse-energy.com>, 'Hyde Merrill' <HM(a)MerrillEnergy.com>, >> 'George Loehr' <gloehr(a)elucem.com> >> From: Abigail Dillen <adillen(a)earthjustice.org> >> Date: 02/28/2011 11:19AM >> Cc: "'Willard R. Burns'" <wburns(a)burnslegal.net>, Rishi Garg < >> rgarg1976(a)gmail.com>, Terry Black <tblackigc(a)comcast.net>, Patti Goldman >> <pgoldman(a)earthjustice.org>, Trip Van Noppen <tvannoppen(a)earthjustice.org >> > >> Subject: Great news on PATH >> ======================= >> All, >> >> We have just learned that PJM has ordered the PATH project to be held in >> abeyance. While it is not officially cancelled (yet), the most recent >> modeling runs ordered in our Virginia case have shown that the line is not >> needed for several years to come, and PATH's backers have been ordered to >> suspend work on the project. It is extremely difficult to reverse momentum >> on these multi-billion dollar projects once they have been ordered in >> service, but I am cautiously optimistic that that's what we are doing! >> Notably, the PJM Board affirmed: >> >> In particular, the growth of Demand Response can contribute to lower >> expectations for future peak demand, thereby extending the time period when >> transmission upgrades are needed. >> >> This, of course, is the precise argument that we have been making. >> >> While this project may come back to life at some point, for now, we can >> celebrate an important victory. Thanks very much to David Wooley and the >> Energy Foundation and to our excellent experts, Bob Fagan, Hyde Merrill, and >> George Loehr. >> >> The relevant language in the attached PJM announcement is copied below: >> >> As part of its 2011 RTEP, and in response to a request by a Virginia >> Hearing Examiner, PJM is conducting >> >> a series of analyses using the most current economic forecasts and Demand >> Response commitments, as >> >> well as potential new generation resources. Preliminary analysis reveals >> the expected reliability violations >> >> that necessitated PATH have moved several years into the future. >> >> Based on these latest results, the Board has decided to hold the PATH >> project in abeyance in its 2011 >> >> RTEP. The Board further directs the sponsoring Transmission Owners to >> suspend current development >> >> efforts on the PATH project, subject to those activities necessary to >> maintain the project in its current state, >> >> while PJM conducts more rigorous analysis of the potential need for PATH >> as part of its continuing RTEP >> >> process. This action, however, does not, at this time, constitute a >> directive by PJM to the sponsoring >> >> Transmission Owners to cancel or abandon the PATH project. >> >> >> >> Abigail Dillen >> Staff Attorney >> Earthjustice >> 156 William Street, Suite 800 >> New York, NY 10038 >> (212) 791-1881 ext. 221 >> Fax: (212) 918-1556 >> >> >> >> > > > > > -- > Kate Pollard > Sierra Club Beyond Coal Campaign > Associate Field Organizer > w: (571) 970-0275 > c: (703) 963-5800 > www.sierraclub.org/coal/va/ > <http://www.sierraclub.org/coal/va/> > Join us on facebook.com/SCNOVAHub > Follow us on twitter.com/SCNOVAHub > > In the digital age, half our electricity still comes from coal. > > -- Virginia Cramer Deputy Press Secretary Sierra Club tel: 804-225-9113 x 102

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PATH announces application "suspension"
by Frank Young 28 Feb '11

28 Feb '11

Hot Damn! ------------------------------------------------------------ COLUMBUS and AKRON, Ohio, February 28, 2011 - American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP) and FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) today announced their affiliates will file to withdraw their applications for state regulatory approval of the Potomac-Appalachian Transmission Highline (PATH) project following an announcement by regional grid operator PJM Interconnection that the project has been suspended. http://www.pathtransmission.com/ ----- Original Message ----- From: Cindy Rank To: WVHCBOARD(a)yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, February 28, 2011 12:04 PM Subject: [WVHCBOARD] PATH delayed by PJM http://blogs.wvgazette.com/coaltattoo/ Breaking news: PJM puts PATH on hold February 28, 2011 by Ken Ward Jr. Here’s the announcement just in from PJM Interconnection: The outlook for a slower economic recovery has led the Board of PJM Interconnection to direct transmission owners to suspend efforts on the Potomac-Appalachian Transmission Highline (PATH). The news release doesn’t appear to be on PJM’s Web site yet, and apparently the board decision was made on Friday. Here’s more: ... for more follow the link: http://blogs.wvgazette.com/coaltattoo/ __._,_.___ 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: PATH Going Down?
by Frank Young 28 Feb '11

28 Feb '11

WordPress.comSee Bill Howley's blog post below. And here is the PJM news release: PJM BOARD DIRECTS DELAY IN PATH TRANSMISSION LINE http://www.pjm.com/~/media/about-pjm/newsroom/2011-releases/20110228-RTEP-a… ----- Original Message ----- From: The Power Line To: fyoung(a)mountain.net Sent: Monday, February 28, 2011 11:36 AM Subject: [New post] PATH Going Down PATH Going Down Bill | February 28, 2011 at 11:36 am | Tags: Power Companies & PATH | Categories: Uncategorized | URL: http://wp.me/piwFb-1fv Here is the link to PJM's announcement dated February 28, 2011. As part of its 2011 RTEP, and in response to a request by a Virginia Hearing Examiner, PJM is conducting a series of analyses using the most current economic forecasts and Demand Response commitments, as well as potential new generation resources. Preliminary analysis reveals the expected reliability violations that necessitated PATH have moved several years into the future. Based on these latest results, the Board has decided to hold the PATH project in abeyance in its 2011 RTEP. The Board further directs the sponsoring Transmission Owners to suspend current development efforts on the PATH project, subject to those activities necessary to maintain the project in its current state, while PJM conducts more rigorous analysis of the potential need for PATH as part of its continuing RTEP process. This action, however, does not, at this time, constitute a directive by PJM to the sponsoring Transmission Owners to cancel or abandon the PATH project. PJM will complete this more rigorous analysis of the PATH project and other transmission requirements and then report the results to stakeholders when it is available. The Board will review this comprehensive analysis as part of its consideration of the 2011 Regional Transmission Expansion Plan. Note that PJM is not calling for a cancellation of PATH -- yet. It is clear that the analysis that the VA SCC required PJM to perform is not going to bring good news for AEP/FirstEnergy. It is quite likely, however, that holding PATH "in abeyance" means that PJM is not going to specify a new required in service date for PATH in the 2011 RTEP. The old in service date will go from June 2015 to "well, maybe sometime, but then again maybe never." So, if PJM is not willing to set a definite in service date for PATH, what does that mean for AEP/FirstEnergy's applications in MD, WV and East Virginia? If PJM is no longer "requiring" PATH, is there any there there? WordPress.com | Thanks for flying with WordPress! Manage Subscriptions | Unsubscribe | Express yourself. Start a blog. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://subscribe.wordpress.com

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Natural gas not necessarily cleaner than coal - Beckley Register-Herald
by Jonathan Rosenbaum 27 Feb '11

27 Feb '11

It's good to observe these types of articles making it into the media: Natural gas not necessarily cleaner than coal - Beckley Register-Herald (http://www.register-herald.com/marcellus/x186200283/Natural-gas-not-necessa…) Beth Little, of the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy, said the damage from a natural gas site compared to a mountaintop removal site is “near equal.” -Jonathan

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WV - Longview plant
by James Kotcon 25 Feb '11

25 Feb '11

This morning, for the first time, I am seeing smoke from Longview's main smoke stack, as well as steam from Longview's cooling towers. Based on the attached press release, it is not clear that they have burned coal yet, but if smoke or steam is coming from the stack, it suggests they at least have all the pipes put together. JBK This press release from the developer has details about their boiler tests: http://www.longviewpower.com/news-events/press-release-detail.php?id=49

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FACES of WVU SGA
by Jonathan Rosenbaum 24 Feb '11

24 Feb '11

This morning I observed the headline article in The Daily Athenaeum was WVU's "SGA supports coal industry regulation", good I thought, the SGA supports strong EPA regulation. However, that wasn't what the article was about at all. Instead the SGA came out with an informational proclamation that supports the organization 'FACES of Coal" which has the exact opposite goal. This is a complete reversal of face for WVU SGA which in the past has been progressive. I am curious about how this happened. Has the coal industry infiltrated the SGA or are a larger percentage of WVU students simply unable to see anything in the future other than coal? http://www.thedaonline.com/news/sga-supports-coal-industry-regulation-1.201…

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FW: DFA Campaign Training Coming to WV April 9-10, 2011
by Grubb, Karen 24 Feb '11

24 Feb '11

Denise is a member of the WVEC board. From: Denise Binion [mailto:dbinion@gmail.com] Sent: Wednesday, February 23, 2011 9:57 PM To: Frank Young; Grubb, Karen; Kevin Smith; Gary Zuckett Subject: DFA Campaign Training Coming to WV April 9-10, 2011 For the first time ever, the national Democracy for America (DFA) will hold a campaign training session in WV, April 9-10, 2011. Founded in 2004 by former DNC Chairman Howard Dean, DFA is a people-powered political action committee working to change our country and the Democratic Party from the bottom up. Dean's 50-State Strategy was responsible for the 2006 Democratic gains in the House and Senate and the Presidency in 2008. The DFA Campaign Academy mission is to focus, network, and train grassroots activists in the skills and strategies needed to take back our country, manage successful campaigns, or run for office themselves. In addition to general campaign related topics, the training includes issue advocacy and lobbying with an emphasis on organizing around an issue, generating public pressure, and citizen lobbying of elected officials. Considering the numerous social, environmental and economic problems facing WV, this individualized training will be invaluable. The training academy will be located at the WVU Jackson's Mill campus http://jacksonsmill.ext.wvu.edu/ The cost of the training is $70 per person or if you are unable to afford the full cost, reduced rates of $35 are available for low income or students via online pre-payment. This contribution helps DFA cover its costs, including the venue rental and a personal copy of the 180 page training manual, as well as lunch and coffee (both days). At the door charges paid with check or credit card will be $80/$45. To register and prepay online: http://www.democracyforamerica.com/events/2506-weston-wv-dfa-campaign-acade… Lodging is reasonably priced: Lodge rooms are $65.00 per night, dormitory style facilities are only $11.00 per night, per individual (open sleeping quarters and shared bath with bed linens provided). Breakfast and dinner may be purchased onsite for $6.25 and $9.25 respectively. Saturday will feature a social event with participants, current legislators and candidates and potential candidates. This training is sponsored by North Central WV Democracy For America in an effort to reinvigorate WV Democratic politics and to assist progressives in electing politicians who uphold and represent progressive principles. It is a great opportunity to network with other like-minded individuals from around the state who are serious about putting West Virginia's government back into the hands of the people. Open to all those who are interested in advancing progressive politics in WV. For further information and to sign up for email updates contact NCWVDFA Chair Denise Binion at ncwvdfa(a)gmail.com<mailto:ncwvdfa@gmail.com> or call 304-669-0247. Please feel free to distribute and post the attached flyer to advertise the training.

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Fw: Alert from from WV Environmental Council, Sierra Club, Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition
by Jim Sconyers 24 Feb '11

24 Feb '11

Jim Sconyers jim_scon(a)yahoo.com 304.698.9628 Remember: Mother Nature bats last. ----- Forwarded Message ---- From: WVEC - Don Alexander <paradox(a)spectrumz.com> To: Jim Sconyers <jim_scon(a)yahoo.com> Sent: Wed, February 23, 2011 6:23:13 PM Subject: Alert from from WV Environmental Council, Sierra Club, Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition WVEC Action Alert West Virginia Environmental Council Action Alert February 23, 2011 WVEC Alerts Archive ________________________________ >From WV Environmental Council, Sierra Club, Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition: Please contact the following Legislators (be sure to identify yourself if you leave a message) IMMEDIATELY - bills in danger of stalling! Also please say that if no regulatory bill can be moved, we need a moratorium on new permits! * House Judiciary Chair Tim Miley - (304) 340-3252 Message: Move 2878! (This bill is first on the agenda at 8:30 AM tomorrow morning (Thursday)!!! * House Speaker Richard Thompson - (304)340-3210 Message: Dispense reference to Finance Committee for 2878 * House Finance Chair Harry Keith White - (304) 340-3230 Message: Take up 2878 immediately if it comes to Finance Committee * Senate President Jeff Kessler (304)357-7801 Message: Urge Senate to move 424 * Senate EIM Chair Mike Green (304)357-7831 Message: Move 424 * Senate Judiciary Chair Corey Palumbo (304)357-7880 Message: Move 424 immediately if it comes to Judiciary ________________________________ Don Alexander WVEC E-mail List Coordinator Subscribe or Unsubscribe Online

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Fwd: WVNS story: 'Invest The Boom' Proposal For WV Gas Severance Tax Trust Fund
by Paul Wilson 24 Feb '11

24 Feb '11

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Public News Service <wvns(a)newsservice.org> Date: Thu, Feb 24, 2011 at 4:43 AM Subject: WVNS story: 'Invest The Boom' Proposal For WV Gas Severance Tax Trust Fund To: PaulWilson <pjgrunt(a)gmail.com> Public News Service-WV February 24, 2011 'Invest The Boom' Proposal For WV Gas Severance Tax Trust Fund CHARLESTON, W.Va. - West Virginia could help ease the effects of its chronic natural-resources boom-and-bust cycles by investing part of the revenue from natural-gas drilling. Projections suggest most natural gas now being drilled in the state will be gone in 30 years. Sean O'Leary, executive director of the *West Virginia Center On Budget And Policy*, says a 1 percent severance tax could fund hundreds of millions of dollars for job creation, funding now missing in desperate coalfield areas. "The communities' fortunes fluctuate with the price of coal. We don't want to see that happen to the communities that develop natural gas. The gas won't be there forever. Once we drill it, it'll be extracted - and in a couple of decades it'll be gone and we'll be left wondering, 'Now what do we do?' " The mineral trust fund plan would increase severance taxes, and tax increases are often attacked as bad for job creation. In this case, however, O'Leary says, the reverse is true. "The exact opposite of taking away jobs. This can be used to lower taxes on other industries, clean up some of the environmental concerns, revitalize downtown areas, building bridges, roads. Those types of things really help attract jobs." Unlike some businesses, O'Leary notes, the industry can't move out of state if the taxes go up. "The gas and the coal, it's here. If you want to produce the gas, you have to do it where the gas is." Several states have similar mineral trust funds. If West Virginia had starting setting aside 1 percent in coal severance taxes 30 years ago, O'Leary says, the state would have $2 billion in the bank even after having invested $1 billion in job creation. Click here to view this story on the Public News Service RSS site and access an audio version of this and other stories: http://www.publicnewsservice.org/index.php?/content/article/18663-1<http://www.publicnewsservice.org/index.php?/content/article/18663-1> --- To be removed from this list please send an e-mail to remove(a)publicnewsservice.org <remove(a)publicnewsservice.org?subject=remove>and put the word "remove" in the subject line. -- Paul Wilson Sierra Club 504 Jefferson Ave Charles Town, WV 25414-1130 Phone: 304-725-4360 Cell: 304-279-1361 "There is no forward until you have gone back" ~Buddha "In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous" ~ Aristotle

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Fw: Mt. Storm-Doubs Hearings scheduled at VA SCC
by Jim Sconyers 24 Feb '11

24 Feb '11

Jim Sconyers jim_scon(a)yahoo.com 304.698.9628 Remember: Mother Nature bats last. ----- Forwarded Message ---- From: Elena Saxonhouse <Elena.Saxonhouse(a)sierraclub.org> To: CONS-ELP-TRANS-LINES-FORUM(a)LISTS.SIERRACLUB.ORG Sent: Wed, February 23, 2011 11:36:56 AM Subject: Mt. Storm-Doubs Hearings scheduled at VA SCC -----Forwarded by Elena Saxonhouse/Sierraclub on 02/23/2011 08:36AM ----- From: Zainab Kents <Zainab.Kents(a)scc.virginia.gov> >Date: 02/23/2011 07:00AM >Subject: State Corporation Commission News Release > > >The following link is the SCC News Release. > >SCC SCHEDULES LOCAL HEARINGS TO RECEIVE TESTIMONY ON MT. STORM-DOUBS >TRANSMISSION LINE > >http://www.scc.virginia.gov/newsrel/e_doubstrans_11.aspx > > >Zai Kents >Information Resources >email: zainab.kents(a)scc.virginia.gov >804 371-9361 >fax 371-9221 > - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To unsubscribe >from the CONS-ELP-TRANS-LINES-FORUM list, send any message to: >CONS-ELP-TRANS-LINES-FORUM-signoff-request(a)LISTS.SIERRACLUB.ORG Check out our >Listserv Lists support site for more information: >http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/faq.asp

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EC February 2011