Shawnee Preservation Society

Comment by Martha Carbone

The power companies are required to demonstrate the need for new transmission lines. They have not. This is why, of the options the NPS puts forward in its study, I am writing in support of the "No build" option.

The power companies must prove that their proposal for this line is the ONLY reasonable way to meet needs BEFORE new lines are considered. The power companies have failed to show a true need for these lines. They say there will be congestion in the grid but they have not presented anything substantive to back up their position. According to the US Energy Information Administration ( www.eia.doe.gov ), over the next 20 years, electricity demand is only projected to rise ~1.5%. However, the new line will increase transmission by 750%. This is way out of balance. There is no clear need for this line.

The power companies say they need this line to deal with peak energy demands. However, peak energy demand only occurs 50 hours out of the year. There are other alternatives for dealing with this, which have not been examined during this process despite the fact that the DOE requires that alternatives to transmission upgrades be considered.

The power companies have claimed that the lines are needed for homeland security. A long line would be a visible target and much more vulnerable. The best idea for improved security of the grid is microgrids--local generation and use.

Transmitting power over long distances is inefficient and results in loss of power due to resistance. Again, microgrids are better.

This project is really about greed not need. It will allow the power companies to generate electricity at older, dirty coal-powered plants and charge customers to build this new line so they can sell the power at a premium price in the NY/NJ metro area. 

The DOE violated the National Environmental Policy Act by failing to conduct a study of the potentially harmful impacts of the line. The NPS is now conducting such a review. I am thankful to the Park Service for conducting their EIS since other agencies have failed to properly study the issue.

The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Middle Delaware National Scenic and Recreational River , & the Appalachian National Scenic Trail are treasured jewels that have been set aside for future generations to enjoy. This line would have drastic and long-lasting impacts on air quality, view sheds and destroy the integrity of communities and scenic, historic and natural landscapes including parks, battlefields, important bird habitats and protected open spaces.

For all of these reasons, I strongly urge that the Park service choose the “No Build” option.

Deadline is Friday 3/12/ 10 11:59 pm Mountain time-
Please ask the NPS to choose the "No Build" option.
The link to the NPS comments page is:
http://parkplanning.nps.gov/commentForm.cfm?parkID=220&projectID=25147&documentId=31664

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Letter From the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania

The Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania, indigenous people of the area affected by the intrusion of the proposed powerlines, stands stongly against this proposal.  The Delaware River and land surrounding it has been sacred to our people for thousands of years.  Our nation has been active as caretakers of this area and we continue to forge partnerships with other individuals and organizations who work toward maintaining a balance among all our relations here.  All our relations refers to all winged ones, four-leggeds, insects, plants, water creatures, and, ultimately, the two-leggeds themselves. This proposal will cause irreparable damage to the balance of Nature.  The Delaware Water gap is an area so sacred to our people, that in years past, no one passed through without a Lenape escort.  The park service has helped to maintain the purity and beauty of this land. It is unacceptable to our people and to the ancestors of this land that the proposed construction should cut through and devastate this most sacred place.  It is an act not only of irresponsibility, but of disrespect.

The Lenape Nation will continue to act as caretakers of this area, and we will call upon other tribes, partners, media and our many contacts to take whatever action necessary to prevent the desecration of this land.

With respect for all our relations

Shelley DePaul
Assistant Chief
Council, Lenape Nation of PA