Rep. Wolf wants power line alliance

By Keith Walker

Published: November 24, 2008

Rep. Frank Wolf, R-10th, is once again asking Gov. Timothy M. Kaine to form an alliance with the governors of Pennsylvania and West Virginia to review the plans for the Trans-Allegheny Interstate power line that would cross portions of Northern Virginia including Prince William County.

In a second letter to Kaine, Wolf said that three or more states can join together under federal law to create an “interstate compact,” which could preempt federal authority.

Wolf sent his initial request to the governor in September.

“There is a window of opportunity to sit down and reevaluate the details before construction on this project begins as the State Corporation Commission is still waiting to receive the final orders from Pennsylvania and West Virginia,” Wolf wrote in a letter to Kaine on Monday.

“It is my understanding that West Virginia’s final order is still pending on several conditions,” Wolf wrote. “I encourage you to start a discussion with the governors from West Virginia and
Pennsylvania to explore an interstate compact that would help to ensure that the best decisions for all parties are made and that no mistakes are made that cannot be undone.”

Wolf said the land that the power lines would cross has “significant historical, environmental, scenic and cultural value” and there would be “no turning back” if the power lines were allowed to be built.

Gordon Hickey, a spokesman for the governor’s office said Kaine would “certainly take a look at what Wolf has to say and consider it.”

Keith Walker can be reached at 703-369-6751.