Northern Pass Project

On Wednesday March 30th, 2011, the NH House passed a bill to send to Senate, that would prevent supporters of the Northern Pass Project, from using eminent domain in construction plans for the transmission lines.

This will put a significant hamper on the Northern Pass Project, as it will prevent the 95-135 foot towers and any other facets of the project, including the transmission facility, from being able to use privately owned land, unless it is proven that the construction is necessary for the reliability of the electric grid. Those in opposition to the project say that this will stop the project's construction, as the electricity is currently unnecessary for the state of New Hampshire. 

Opponents of the bill have received a lot of their support through public hearings held in towns such as Plymouth. On Friday, March 18th, 2011, a public hearing and informational session was held at Plymouth State University's Silver Center for the Arts. This gathering, along with 6 others, made up the 2,565 attendees and 300 people statewide who have testified against this project. 

Supporters of the project argued that this bill could prevent other necessary construction projects from happening in the future. Although, the project officials did also say that eminent domain is rarely used in construction projects. 

While some New Hampshire representatives are for the project, due to the jobs it will create, others stand strong with its opposition. Among these is New Hampshire Executive Councilor Ray Burton. Burton, who is in his 32nd year of elected representation, said the following in a letter to NH residents, "I write to all of you asking that you NOT issue any permits for the Northern Pass project."  He also had a message for proponents of the project as he wrote, "It is time for Hydro-Quebec officials… and PSNH officials to fold their tent on this project and go home! AND for PSNH to buy local electrical power!"

For those just catching up, the Northern Pass Project proposes to bring electricity from a company called Hydro Quebec down through Northern New Hampshire to central New Hampshire. While Hydro Quebec uses 98% renewable energy, the transmission towers that would be needed to carry the electricity would be 95-135 feet tall and stretch over 140 miles of New Hampshire's landscapes, passing through towns such as Plymouth and Ashland. 

The opposition to the bill includes factors such as health risks, property value depreciation, the towers would ruin NH's beautiful mountain views, and that NH currently produces more than enough electricity to meet its needs. If built, the electricity from the project would not even necessarily be used in NH. PSNH is currently attempting to get access to 10% of the power, but negotiations are still in progress. 

The potential for the construction project to exist seems to depend on PSNH, according to Governor John Lynch. "I think they need to do a better job of involving people at the local level, and get them to feel part of whatever solution will be in place," said Lynch to Concord Monitor editors.

However, the project would create many jobs, not only in the construction phases of the project, but also in the converter unit that would be located in Franklin NH. 

The bill now has to go through Senate and receive approval to go into effect. For more information on the project please visit www.northernpass.us or www.livefreeorfry.org.