With increasing concern over the proposed Potomac-Appalachian Transmission Highline, engineering, air and electric experts submitted testimony finding that the line would make the eastern grid less reliable and lead to increased air pollution.

 

Proposed by American Electric Power and Allegheny Power, PATH is a high-voltage transmission line, which would be constructed through West Virginia, Virginia and Maryland, at a cost of more than $1.8 billion to ratepayers.

 

“It’s like running an extension cord down the block to plug your toaster into a neighbor’s outlet rather than plugging it into an outlet in your own kitchen,” George Loehr said. “If PATH is constructed, major East Coast cities like Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington and Richmond would become more vulnerable to interruptions and blackouts, either from natural phenomena or from terrorist attacks” on transmission lines.

 

The experts, on behalf of the Sierra Club, include George Loehr and Hyde Merrill, electric experts, Chris James of Synapse Energy Economics, Inc., a former EPA employee and director of air planning for Connecticut, and Robert Fagan, also of Synapse, a mechanical engineer and energy economics expert. Their testimony found that the line is not needed; that cheaper, simpler alternatives are available.

 

The expert testimony also considered concerns raised by environmental and community groups about increased pollution from coal-fired power plants.

 

Chris James, an expert with experience in state and federal air programs, determined that air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions would increase as a result of PATH, making it more difficult for Virginia, Washington D.C., and Baltimore to meet air quality standards. 

       
“PATH is a boondoggle for ratepayers and a gift to coal companies,” Abigail Dillen of Earthjustice, said. “We urgently need a smart electric grid that supports wind power and other clean energy projects, but AEP and Allegheny Energy are trying to sell us on lines that will only help dirty old coal plants to ramp up profits – and pollution.”

“We keep hearing from AEP and Allegheny the mantra that this line will shore up our electrical grid and is desperately needed to keep the lights on. Now we have a clear, documented explanation of why that’s not true,” Elena Saxonhouse, with the Sierra Club, said.

 
Sierra Club is represented in the Virginia PATH proceedings by the non-profit law firm, Earthjustice.