UDC opposes PPL’s Route A

New power lines based more on greed than need?

By SANDY LONG

NARROWSBURG, NY — At its monthly meeting on July 3, the Upper Delaware Council (UDC) unanimously approved a letter opposing the selection of “Route A,” one of three proposed routes for PPL’s new Susquehanna-Roseland Power Line. The action was taken in support of a request from Shohola Township, a member town of the UDC.

In part, the letter reads, “Through a resolution approved on June 12, 2008 by the Board of Supervisors, Shohola Township has officially opposed Route A, and has requested that the UDC support that position. We understand that Lackawaxen Township is preparing a similar resolution to also oppose Route A. The Upper Delaware Council agrees with the opposition of Route A.”

The UDC urged that any upgrades to the electrical grid be undertaken with “the utmost sensitivity to both environmental and economic impacts.” The letter further questions whether such projects, including the power line proposed by New York Regional Interconnect, are “based more on greed than need.”

It continues, “We hope that isn’t the case here, but we note that PPL’s 2007 Annual Report is filled with glowing financial references.”

Finally, the UDC expressed its disappointment with PPL’s recent “open house” sessions, which featured informational booths staffed by PPL personnel. The public was invited to submit questions or comments on cards, or by phone or email. The UDC noted, “Such a format denied the public an opportunity to hear consistent answers to their questions and the concerns of others.”

In other matters, executive director William Douglass announced the launch of the UDC’s new website at www.UpperDelawareCouncil.org. Developed by Wdesign of Barryville, NY, the site features the photography of UDC senior resource specialist David Soete and provides extensive information related to the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River corridor.