For Release: April 26, 2007
Contact: J. Tucker Martin or David Clementson
Email: tucker.martin@oag.state.va.us or dclementson@oag.state.va.us
Phone: 804-786-2071
McDonnell Statement on National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor Proposal for Virginia
Richmond - Attorney General Bob McDonnell issued the following statement today regarding the announcement from the U.S. Secretary of Energy placing large portions of Northern Virginia in a proposed National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor for the East Coast that could lead to federal preemption of the Commonwealth in the siting of electric transmission lines.
“Today’s announcement by Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman is of great concern.
“I recognize the need for ensuring sufficient electric transmission infrastructure on the East Coast. However, the federal government must balance its desire for national solutions against the need for states to play the central role in siting electric transmission lines. These projects can have significant impacts on local communities, including sites that have significant historic, scenic, and cultural importance. The states are best suited to understand these impacts, and make decisions in the public interest with full participation from affected citizens.
“In November I specifically asked the Secretary of Energy to provide greater state and citizen input in the process of designating these transmission corridors. While today’s announcement does provide for some input, that concession is significantly weakened by the subsequent declaration of intention to move ahead with designations despite the content of such input. The principles of federalism demand respect for state and local interests.
“I continue to have serious concerns about the actions of the Department of Energy. There must be a greater role for both the states and their citizens in decisions involving electric transmission siting. Our office will be expressing these concerns to the various federal agencies and office holders involved in the days ahead.”
The Office of the Attorney General is statutorily charged with representing Virginia consumers in utility matters. Further, the Office of the Attorney General serves as legal counsel to the Virginia Outdoors Foundation which holds over 70,000 acres of open-space easements in the area that would possibly be impacted by the NIETC.
