By now, many of you have heard from the PEC or heard the news that the State Corporation Commission's hearing examiner has recommended giving conditional approval to the 500 kilovolt transmission line (aka Loudoun Line).

One of the contingencies is approval of the lines by the West Virginia and Pennsylvania public utility commissions. The West Virginia PSC staff has recommended approval of the line, with the case still under review. In Pennsylvania, the PUC staff has recommended the line be denied and the application dismissed, stating, Trans Allegheny Interstate Line Company's (TrAILCo) application "is fatally flawed in that it fails to provide factual basis upon which the Commission may make the findings necessary to grant approval of the proposed project." The PUC questions the planning methodology, the merits and detriments of all available routes, and reasons for selecting the chosen route. Considerable attention was paid to the natural, cultural and environmental impacts. No final decision has been reached. That gives us cause for hope.

Virginia's Commitment and the other respondents in the case have provided the SCC with expert testimony from some of the nation's foremost experts in their field. We are proud to have been a part of that dedicated effort.

Long-distance transmission lines, whether they be from coal-powered generation or from renewable energies, are not in the best interests of our citizens. Demand response, while highly touted by PJM, is still being referred to as an "uncertainty" by SCC staff, citing a lack of historical data.

Being an old legislative aide, when I heard the word "uncertainties" repeated by the SCC staff member as the last witness at the July 9th hearing, I walked away with a sense of unease, and today's recommendation once again brings home the power of this giant utility.

As we determine a future course of action, Virginia's Commitment will keep you current with news updates.

The SCC has set an August 18, 2008 deadline for comments. This is an extremely critical time, as the SCC is still one short of the three commissioners needed to determine the final decision.

It is imperative that we have someone fill the judicial vacancy who can understand the many complexities of this case. With the General Assembly failing to take final action on a nominee, the choice rests with Governor Kaine to make the appointment.

Let your voices be heard.