Capon Valley Coalition

One of our observant members in Independence, WV — yes, we have them all over the place — has found disturbing evidence that West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin supports Allegheny Power’s TrAIL power line.

On Oct. 3, 2006, Manchin wrote U.S. Energy Secretary Samuel W. Bodman to “encourage” him to “designate National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors that coincide with the paths of … the Trans-Allegheny (TrAIL) project.”

He noted:

“My staff and I have reviewed both of these projects and spoken at length with AEP and AP officials regarding the benefits of the lines — benefits to the citizens of West Virginia as well as millions of citizens of other states. I support both of these projects.”

He may have “spoken at length” with a bunch of hired guns from the electric companies, but he obviously never bothered to talk to any West Virginia voters! Because we would have asked him about those so-called benefits.

You can read his entire letter at the Department of Energy Web site. Click on the “View 177″ link to open the letter. (It requires the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to open.)

Or you can read it here. (We included the link so everyone can see where we found the letter.)

MAKE MANCHIN CHANGE HIS MIND

He needs to hear from those of us who will be dramatically affected by the “benefits” of this power line. And he needs to hear from us right now.

You can find all of his contact information — phone number, email, street address — on the Take Action page. It also has tips on what to write. So get writing.

It’s time for the governor to write another letter. This time, he needs to say NO to TrAIL.

TELL ENERGY DEPARTMENT NO TO TrAIL

If you would like to send a comment to the U.S. Department of Energy opposing TrAIL, it’s not too late!

You should refer to “Opposition to PJM Allegheny National Corridor Designation” in your email subject line, letter or phone call.

Comments go to:

Ms. Poonum Agrawal

Manager, Markets and Technical Integration

Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability

U.S. Department of Energy

poonum.agrawal@hq.doe.gov

Phone: 202-586-6048

Fax: 202-586-1472

Lynn Golemon and Priscilla Ireys will carry the Capon Valley Coalition message of saying NO to TrAIL to Charleston on Friday (March 2).

Armed with petitions, flyers, a large copy of the TrAIL Map and a slide show developed by the Coalition, the intrepid duo will represent us at E-DAY at the Capitol, sponsored by the West Virginia Environmental Council.

Our show-and-tell will join others from about 30 environmental organizations and sustainable businesses in the House and Senate Halls and Upper Rotunda of the State Capitol.

The displays will be available and members of the organizations will lobby their elected representatives from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Lynn and Priscilla will be exposing our organization and our message not only to representatives of the 30 environmental groups but to members of the State Senate and Assembly as well.