- EC - lists.frackcheckwv.net

Make Your Voice Heard!
by Karen Grubb 04 Aug '07

04 Aug '07

I just took action on improving fuel economy standards that I consider very important. I urge you to take action yourself and spread the word! To take action on this issue, click on the link below: https://secure2.convio.net/sierra/site/Advocacy?s_oo=Z3Gig2aVi1u-ilwjg1dWVw… If the text above does not appear as a link or it wraps across multiple lines, then copy and paste it into the address area of your browser.

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TRAIL PETITION TO INTERVENE
by William V. DePaulo, Esq. 01 Aug '07

01 Aug '07

ALL BECAUSE I WAS OUT OF TOWN FOR THREE WEEKS, AND WANTED TO BE SURE I HADN'T MISSED A FILING, I EARLIER TODAY CALLED PHIL MELICK, THE LEAD ATTY AT JACKSON KELLY IN THE TRAIL CASE AT THE PSC, TO ASK IF THEY EITHER HAD FILED, OR INTENDED TO FILE, AN OPPOSITION TO THE SIERRA CLUB'S PETITION TO INTERVENE. PHIL CALLED BACK A MOMENT AGO TO SAY THAT THEY DID NOT PLAN TO OPPOSE THE SIERRA CLUB'S INTERVENTION, BASED IN LARGE PART ON THEIR RESPECT FOR THE CLUB AS AN ENVIRONMENTAL ORGANIZATION. … [View More]

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The Climate Game is Over..(y, n, really.?)
by Duane330＠aol.com 29 Jul '07

29 Jul '07

Editorial Climate: Game Over Donald Kennedy, editor, Science (AAAS) With respect to climate change, we have abruptly passed the tipping point in what until recently has been a tense political controversy. Why? Industry leaders, nongovernmental organizations, Al Gore, and public attention have all played a role. At the core, however, it's about the relentless progress of science. As data accumulate, denialists retreat to the safety of the Wall Street Journal op-ed page or seek … [View More]

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Re: [EC] Fwd: Fw: July 25 FutureCoalFuels.org Update
by Grubb, Karen 26 Jul '07

26 Jul '07

This is a possibly as the ExCom will have a meeting August 11 in Lewisburg. I could possibly stay over at my brother's in Renick. Karen -----Original Message----- From: ec-bounces(a)osenergy.org [mailto:ec-bounces@osenergy.org] On Behalf Of James Kotcon Sent: Thursday, July 26, 2007 9:06 AM To: ec(a)osenergy.org; Glen Besa Subject: [EC] Fwd: Fw: July 25 FutureCoalFuels.org Update Anybody want to go to Beckley to picket this event? With the right preparation, we might get a lot of press to … [View More]help nip this industry in the bud. At a minimum, they should know that there is opposition, even in West Virginia. JBK >>> "Donald Strimbeck" <dcsoinks(a)comcast.net> 7/25/2007 11:05 AM >>> Untitled Donald C. Strimbeck, Secretary Upper Monongahela River Association Incorporated 109 Broad Street, P.O. Box 519 Granville, WV 26534-0519 304-599-7585 (Fax:4131) Email: dcsoinks(a)comcast.net http://www.uppermon.org http://www.monriversummit.org ----- Original Message ----- From: info futurecoalfuels To: dcsoinks(a)comcast.net Sent: Wednesday, July 25, 2007 10:15 AM Subject: July 25 FutureCoalFuels.org Update FutureCoalFuels.org Update July 25, 2007 In this update: Coal-to-Liquids Coalition to host major CTL conference in West Virginia Rep. Barton emphasizes need for domestic CTL fuels in House energy bill DOE highlights need for domestic CTL fuels in Sacramento Bee House approves bill funding Ohio CTL studies Peabody Energy considering CTL plant in western Kentucky Become a CTL grassroots supporter ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---- Coal-to-Liquids Coalition to host major CTL conference in West Virginia The Coal-to-Liquids Coalition will host a major conference Aug. 14-15 in Beckley, W.Va., that will highlight the significant energy security, economic and environmental benefits America stands to gain by jumpstarting production of clean, domestic coal-to-liquid (CTL) transportation fuels. The conference will feature the latest information on the outlook for domestically produced CTL fuels by U.S. House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee Chairman Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.), House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman John Murtha (D-Pa.) U.S. Air Force Undersecretary Dr. Ronald M. Sega, Assistant Air Force Secretary William Anderson, as well as presentations from leading industry, financial and labor experts. Among the speakers scheduled to participate in the conference are United Mine Workers of America President Cecil Roberts, Pat Esposito, energy advisor to West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin (D) and Peabody Energy Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Fred Palmer. The conference will also include a luncheon presentation by Lt. Col. Daniel Millman, who conducted B-52 testing of Fischer-Tropsch fuels for the Air Force in 2006. Col. Millman will detail his experience flying aircraft powered by fuels made using the same process that will be used to produce domestic CTL fuels. "The Coal-to-Liquids Coalition is proud to host this conference that will spotlight how CTL fuels can play a vital role in creating a new energy future for America," said National Mining Association President and CEO Kraig R. Naasz. "On behalf of the coalition, I urge those interested in learning how CTL fuels can put America on a path to energy independence to attend and learn more from leading military, industry, labor and government representatives on the many benefits offered by domestic CTL fuels." To register and learn more about the conference, please visit: www.ctlconference2007.org or contact Corey Henry at chenry(a)futurecoalfuels.org. Rep. Barton emphasizes need for domestic CTL fuels in House energy bill House Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Joe Barton (R-Texas) recently expressed dismay that the House of Representatives may soon consider energy legislation that does not contain incentives meant to jumpstart the production of clean, domestic coal-to-liquid (CTL) transportation fuels. Speaking at an energy forum hosted by Congressional Quarterly, Barton stressed that coal is "our most abundant natural resource.and we ought to use it." Barton lamented that energy legislation the House could consider in the next two weeks as currently drafted is an "energy bill that has no energy in it." Barton said that the abundance of coal in the U.S. is what makes CTL fuels "so attractive," saying "politically [CTL] has to be in the mix" if the House stands any chance of advancing comprehensive energy legislation. John Ward, vice president of marketing and government affairs for Headwaters Inc., participated in a panel discussion with representatives from leading energy producing and using organizations and detailed how congressional support for CTL fuels is needed to begin reducing America's growing reliance on oil imported from unstable parts of the world. Headwaters Inc. is a member of the Coal-to-Liquids Coalition (CTLC) and is actively engaged in efforts to construct the first fleet of CTL facilities in the United States. Ward also noted that the construction and operation of domestic CTL facilities will create thousands of new, high-paying jobs across the nation. He stressed that domestically made CTL fuels will help reduce the flow of billions of dollars American consumers send to hostile and unstable nations. In addition, Ward stressed that federal studies have demonstrated that in comparison to the fuels they will replace, CTL fuels will be as clean, or cleaner, in terms of carbon dioxide emissions, while substantially reducing emissions of harmful pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and particulate matter "On behalf of the CTLC, I want to thank John Ward and Rep. Barton for so clearly making the case for federal support of incentives that would accelerate domestic CTL production and help put America on the road to energy independence," said National Mining Association President and CEO Kraig R. Naasz. "America's future economic prosperity and national security hinge on allowing domestic CTL fuels to lead the way toward breaking our addiction to foreign oil." DOE highlights need for domestic CTL fuels in Sacramento Bee A senior U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) official earlier this month emphasized the urgent need to begin production of clean, domestic coal-to-liquid (CTL) transportation fuels, citing the energy security and environmental gains America can realize through production and use of domestic CTL fuels. "Energy security means having reliable, affordable and environmentally sound sources of energy available largely from domestic sources," wrote Lowell Miller, director of DOE's Office of Sequestration, Hydrogen and Clean Coal Fuels in a July 13 Sacramento Bee opinion piece. "Coal fits the bill." As crude oil prices appear likely to remain in the $50-60 range for the foreseeable future, "coal-derived fuels can provide a highly competitive and clean supplement to oil-derived fuels, substantially reducing the need for imported oil and thereby increasing energy security," said Miller. "The chemical-industrial process for extracting ultra-clean diesel fuel, jet fuel and other products from coal has been around for decades, but only in recent years have advances in technology and the steep increase in the price of oil combined to make "coal-to-liquids" an attractive part of the solution to our pressing energy security and environmental concerns," wrote Miller. Miller noted that a recent report from the National Coal Council estimates that America's coal supply could produce 2.6 million barrels per day of coal-derived fuels and highlighted that the Air Force has already "successfully tested blends of coal-derived jet fuel in its planes." Miller emphasized that technological innovations are helping to make coal use increasingly clean. "Carbon sequestration and other emissions-reduction technologies can be applied to coal-to-liquids plants, and the primary product, ultra-clean diesel fuel, is far cleaner than any diesel fuel or gasoline in use today," Miller wrote. As various legislative proposals have been and will continue to be considered on Capitol Hill, Miller said efforts are under across the country to begin constructing the first fleet of CTL plants. "While the legislative wheels grind, developers are working on coal-to-liquids plans with the governors and governments of Alaska, Montana, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia and Louisiana." Miller also noted that America's economic competitors are racing ahead with plans to produce CTL fuels. "China.expects to be producing 20,000 barrels of fuel daily from its first coal-to-liquids plant before the year is out," said Miller. "When planned expansion is complete, the plant will produce 200,000 barrels of fuel a day. This is only the first shot in a massive, $127 billion coal liquefaction campaign by the Chinese." Miller also pointed to CTL production plans in Australia, Indonesia and New Zealand and noted that India's government is actively studying CTL fuel production. A complete copy of Miller's opinion piece is available here. House approves bill funding Ohio CTL studies The U.S. House of Representatives last week approved a fiscal year 2008 appropriations bill that contains $2.25 million to study the technologies that could be used by a CTL plant Baard Energy plans on constructing in southeast Ohio. A total of $1 million has been set aside to support a carbon sequestration scoping study meant to identify major geologic sites in Ohio suitable for underground carbon dioxide storage, while another $250,000 would be used to study the carbon life cycle of coal-based transportation fuel. The remaining $1 million would finance a northeastern Ohio pipeline study. Construction of the Baard facility is expected to result in 4,000 jobs over the four years of expected construction and generate $31 million in income southeast Ohio. Peabody Energy considering CTL plant in western Kentucky Platts Coal Trader reported on July 6 that a CTL project under consideration by Peabody Energy for construction in Union County, Ky., is in the "very preliminary" stages, with its future likely to be decided by the results of a soon-to-be completed feasibility study. Platts reported that the $3 billion plant would produce about 30,000 barrels of transportation fuels daily, with operations beginning in 2012 or 2013. Kevin Sheilley, president and CEO of Northwest Kentucky Forward, told Platts that the office of Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher has given Peabody $400,000 for the feasibility study, with Peabody expected to contribute another $1 million. For now, no completion date for the study has been set. The Peabody CTL plant is one of seven clean-coal projects proposed for the region, according to Sheilley, most of which would produce transportation fuels or synthetic natural gas. Become a CTL grassroots supporter The Coal-to-Liquids Coalition is working to build a strong network of grassroots supporters willing to contact federal and state lawmakers to voice their support for measures meant to spur the domestic production of affordable, clean-burning CTL fuels. CTL grassroots supporters can include company employees, union members, retirees, their families, friends and others spread across the country who share a personal stake in the successful launch of a domestic CTL industry. The coming months are likely to see continued congressional CTL activity; a time in which a robust CTL grassroots network can be an invaluable tool in helping to increase the bipartisan support for legislation designed to jumpstart the production of ultra-clean CTL fuels. To become a grassroots supporter visit: http://www.capitolconnect.com/futurecoalfuels/. As CTL fuel developments transpire in 2007, be sure to regularly visit FutureCoalFuels.org for the latest news and information and learn how you can help strengthen America's energy future. If you wish to unsubscribe from the CTL update e-mail service, please click here. _______________________________________________ EC mailing list EC(a)osenergy.org http://osenergy.org/mailman/listinfo/ec [View Less]

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Re: [EC] two emails from National concerning Intervention
by Grubb, Karen 26 Jul '07

26 Jul '07

Let's have a phone conference Friday, July 27 at 7:00 p.m. to start the plan for intervention. If you cannot make this time please let me know beforehand. Karen 1 (866) 501-6174 Conference Code: 1005700 ________________________________ From: Stephen M. Walker [mailto:stephenwalkeresq@gmail.com] Sent: Monday, July 23, 2007 11:02 PM To: Grubb, Karen Cc: James Kotcon; Barbara Fallon; Jonathan Rosenbaum Subject: Re: two emails from National concerning Intervention I'm available … [View More]pretty much any time this week. Steve On 7/23/07, Grubb, Karen <kgrubb(a)fairmontstate.edu > wrote: I am leaving this weekend and will be gone for a week. Who wants to have a phone conference this week to get started on the plan? I spoke with David Herring last Friday and just sent that form, too. Below are the two emails from Erin Chalmers. Karen ----------------------------------------------------- From: Erin.Chalmers(a)sierraclub.org [mailto: Erin.Chalmers(a)sierraclub.org <mailto:Erin.Chalmers@sierraclub.org> ] Sent: Wed 6/27/2007 8:09 PM To: william.depaulo(a)gmail.com; pjgrunt(a)gmail.com; Grubb, Karen; jkotcon(a)wvu.edu Subject: Allegheny Transmission Line intervention Hi Bill and all, On behalf of the national Sierra Club, the WV chapter has authorization to intervene in the PSC hearing in the Allegheny transmission line case. It looks like a great issue and I'm glad the chapter is taking it on! I think this case presents many opportunities and also some difficult issues. You all are obviously already working with other chapters and groups on the larger issue, but to the extent I can be of assistance in getting resources, please let me know. For instance, I may be able to find testimony from other PSC hearings that addresses the true costs of coal or potential rate savings from efficiency. In terms of issues, my concern on this case is mostly financial - as you well know, the chapter will have to decide how much it can put into the case and plan accordingly. Bill has generously offered to carry out this case on a reduced fee basis. My understanding from talking with Bill today is that he expects the chapter to make good faith efforts to raise funds to pay for part of his time but that there is no specific fee cap or arrangement. Because you are a chapter member, Bill, I'm sure you'll work closely with Karen and others to make sure they understand how much time you are putting in and how much payment you expect. I bring this up just because I have seen similarly lax fee arrangements go awry in other cases, and I don't want any surprises for the chapter or for Bill down the road. So I strongly encourage Karen and the chapter to work very closely with Bill and to make sure he is comfortable with what the chapter is raising for funds for him. The new matter form I received noted that $5000 would be allotted to legal expenses - I don't believe this was expected to be a fee cap of any sort, but rather just an estimate of possible and reasonable costs that the chapter would fund as needed. Again, I expect that Karen and Bill, and others, will work out their expectations as to paying for Bill's time. An little work now in terms of figuring out your funding expectations is worth it to avoid big headaches later. I have seen big fights in chapters over fee issues and just want to make sure that doesn't happen here. As another reminder, any settlement (which doesn't seem likely at this point) would require separate national authorization. Also, please keep me informed of any major developments in the case and feel free to ask if you have any questions I might be able to help with. Best of luck and thanks for your hard work on this issue! thanks, Erin Erin Chalmers Environmental Law Fellow Sierra Club Environmental Law Program 85 Second St., 2nd Floor San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 977-5765 phone (415) 977-5793 fax ----------------------------------------------------- From: James Kotcon [mailto: jkotcon(a)wvu.edu <mailto:jkotcon@wvu.edu> ] Sent: Tue 6/26/2007 10:00 AM To: Grubb, Karen; Erin.Chalmers(a)sierraclub.org Cc: Fallon, Barbara; Paul Wilson; 'Dave Muhly'; Glen Besa; Peter.Martin(a)sierraclub.org; 'James Kotcon' Subject: RE: Allegheny Transmission line deadline - WVPSC Intervention Thanks for the leads. We (I) have already contacted Synapse, as they worked with us on the Longview case. Unfortunately, they have already been retained by other state parties, and due to the potential conflict of interest, are unable to assist us. I will follow up with the other leads. JBK >>> <Erin.Chalmers(a)sierraclub.org> 6/25/2007 8:49 PM >>> Hi Jim, Karen and all, Thanks for the detailed new matter form that Paul just sent. I wanted to get back to you with some potential financial and expert resources for this case. First, it looks like the national law program is interested in contributing up to about $3000 toward the case. This case fits well with our ongoing energy work, so we'd love to support it. Also, you may have already tried, but if not, it might be worth your while to ask the Club's national Global Warming and Smart Energy Committee - Joan Saxe is chair. I have no idea if they have money, but they might have either money or interest in helping in other ways (finding other resources, helping with media, etc). Ditto with the Sustainable Planet Strategy Team. I'll also alert our media dept that this is happening, and they might be able to offer some assistance as well in the form of advising, writing press releases or looking over ones you have. Second, I have a couple potential leads for expert witness/analysis help. 1) Synapse Energy Consultants. We have used them before in other cases, including in Florida. We have worked with David Schlissel (tell him Kristin Henry referred you) before, who was very good. Their website is: http://www.synapse-energy.com/aboutus/ 2) ACEEE: http://www.aceee.org/ We don't have a specific contact there, but they may be able to help 3) HP Energy Associates, in Massachusetts - Hale Powell is the contact, who we have worked with before. hpenergy(a)aol.com 978-392-8442 Folks in our office also recommended that you might be able to get more bang for your buck if you were able to partner with a local university who could then work with one or more of the experts. The hired expert could do some big picture research and could potentially assign some discrete tasks to university researchers, thus stretching your money as well as getting more local buy-in and support. Lastly, I attached a memo one of our interns recently compiled - it lists existing research and papers addressing costs and other issues of demand-side management and energy efficiency. Some of those reports could be helpful. thanks, and I'll work with Jim DePaulo to get national authorization in time for him to file on the chapter's behalf, Erin (this is a report mentioned in the other attachment that can't be easily found online) Erin Chalmers Environmental Law Fellow Sierra Club Environmental Law Program 85 Second St., 2nd Floor San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 977-5765 phone (415) 977-5793 fax [View Less]

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Fwd: wind power siting
by James Kotcon 26 Jul '07

26 Jul '07

You may find the attached interesting. I did a quick scan of the siting standards, and they appear to be useful, but are still pretty vague, and they have almost no wildlife (bird or bat) impact requirements, which is one of our major issues in WV. I am not sure they will resolve the controversy, and I would like some more specifics in the standards, as these seem more oriented toward a "process' for siting, rather than specific technical requirements that need to be met. Still it is a … [View More]

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Fwd: Fw: July 25 FutureCoalFuels.org Update
by James Kotcon 26 Jul '07

26 Jul '07

Anybody want to go to Beckley to picket this event? With the right preparation, we might get a lot of press to help nip this industry in the bud. At a minimum, they should know that there is opposition, even in West Virginia. JBK >>> "Donald Strimbeck" <dcsoinks(a)comcast.net> 7/25/2007 11:05 AM >>> Untitled Donald C. Strimbeck, Secretary Upper Monongahela River Association Incorporated 109 Broad Street, P.O. Box 519 Granville, WV 26534-0519 304-599-7585 (Fax:4131) … [View More]Email: dcsoinks(a)comcast.net http://www.uppermon.org http://www.monriversummit.org ----- Original Message ----- From: info futurecoalfuels To: dcsoinks(a)comcast.net Sent: Wednesday, July 25, 2007 10:15 AM Subject: July 25 FutureCoalFuels.org Update FutureCoalFuels.org Update July 25, 2007 In this update: Coal-to-Liquids Coalition to host major CTL conference in West Virginia Rep. Barton emphasizes need for domestic CTL fuels in House energy bill DOE highlights need for domestic CTL fuels in Sacramento Bee House approves bill funding Ohio CTL studies Peabody Energy considering CTL plant in western Kentucky Become a CTL grassroots supporter -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Coal-to-Liquids Coalition to host major CTL conference in West Virginia The Coal-to-Liquids Coalition will host a major conference Aug. 14-15 in Beckley, W.Va., that will highlight the significant energy security, economic and environmental benefits America stands to gain by jumpstarting production of clean, domestic coal-to-liquid (CTL) transportation fuels. The conference will feature the latest information on the outlook for domestically produced CTL fuels by U.S. House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee Chairman Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.), House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman John Murtha (D-Pa.) U.S. Air Force Undersecretary Dr. Ronald M. Sega, Assistant Air Force Secretary William Anderson, as well as presentations from leading industry, financial and labor experts. Among the speakers scheduled to participate in the conference are United Mine Workers of America President Cecil Roberts, Pat Esposito, energy advisor to West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin (D) and Peabody Energy Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Fred Palmer. The conference will also include a luncheon presentation by Lt. Col. Daniel Millman, who conducted B-52 testing of Fischer-Tropsch fuels for the Air Force in 2006. Col. Millman will detail his experience flying aircraft powered by fuels made using the same process that will be used to produce domestic CTL fuels. "The Coal-to-Liquids Coalition is proud to host this conference that will spotlight how CTL fuels can play a vital role in creating a new energy future for America," said National Mining Association President and CEO Kraig R. Naasz. "On behalf of the coalition, I urge those interested in learning how CTL fuels can put America on a path to energy independence to attend and learn more from leading military, industry, labor and government representatives on the many benefits offered by domestic CTL fuels." To register and learn more about the conference, please visit: www.ctlconference2007.org or contact Corey Henry at chenry(a)futurecoalfuels.org. Rep. Barton emphasizes need for domestic CTL fuels in House energy bill House Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Joe Barton (R-Texas) recently expressed dismay that the House of Representatives may soon consider energy legislation that does not contain incentives meant to jumpstart the production of clean, domestic coal-to-liquid (CTL) transportation fuels. Speaking at an energy forum hosted by Congressional Quarterly, Barton stressed that coal is "our most abundant natural resource.and we ought to use it." Barton lamented that energy legislation the House could consider in the next two weeks as currently drafted is an "energy bill that has no energy in it." Barton said that the abundance of coal in the U.S. is what makes CTL fuels "so attractive," saying "politically [CTL] has to be in the mix" if the House stands any chance of advancing comprehensive energy legislation. John Ward, vice president of marketing and government affairs for Headwaters Inc., participated in a panel discussion with representatives from leading energy producing and using organizations and detailed how congressional support for CTL fuels is needed to begin reducing America's growing reliance on oil imported from unstable parts of the world. Headwaters Inc. is a member of the Coal-to-Liquids Coalition (CTLC) and is actively engaged in efforts to construct the first fleet of CTL facilities in the United States. Ward also noted that the construction and operation of domestic CTL facilities will create thousands of new, high-paying jobs across the nation. He stressed that domestically made CTL fuels will help reduce the flow of billions of dollars American consumers send to hostile and unstable nations. In addition, Ward stressed that federal studies have demonstrated that in comparison to the fuels they will replace, CTL fuels will be as clean, or cleaner, in terms of carbon dioxide emissions, while substantially reducing emissions of harmful pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and particulate matter "On behalf of the CTLC, I want to thank John Ward and Rep. Barton for so clearly making the case for federal support of incentives that would accelerate domestic CTL production and help put America on the road to energy independence," said National Mining Association President and CEO Kraig R. Naasz. "America's future economic prosperity and national security hinge on allowing domestic CTL fuels to lead the way toward breaking our addiction to foreign oil." DOE highlights need for domestic CTL fuels in Sacramento Bee A senior U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) official earlier this month emphasized the urgent need to begin production of clean, domestic coal-to-liquid (CTL) transportation fuels, citing the energy security and environmental gains America can realize through production and use of domestic CTL fuels. "Energy security means having reliable, affordable and environmentally sound sources of energy available largely from domestic sources," wrote Lowell Miller, director of DOE's Office of Sequestration, Hydrogen and Clean Coal Fuels in a July 13 Sacramento Bee opinion piece. "Coal fits the bill." As crude oil prices appear likely to remain in the $50-60 range for the foreseeable future, "coal-derived fuels can provide a highly competitive and clean supplement to oil-derived fuels, substantially reducing the need for imported oil and thereby increasing energy security," said Miller. "The chemical-industrial process for extracting ultra-clean diesel fuel, jet fuel and other products from coal has been around for decades, but only in recent years have advances in technology and the steep increase in the price of oil combined to make "coal-to-liquids" an attractive part of the solution to our pressing energy security and environmental concerns," wrote Miller. Miller noted that a recent report from the National Coal Council estimates that America's coal supply could produce 2.6 million barrels per day of coal-derived fuels and highlighted that the Air Force has already "successfully tested blends of coal-derived jet fuel in its planes." Miller emphasized that technological innovations are helping to make coal use increasingly clean. "Carbon sequestration and other emissions-reduction technologies can be applied to coal-to-liquids plants, and the primary product, ultra-clean diesel fuel, is far cleaner than any diesel fuel or gasoline in use today," Miller wrote. As various legislative proposals have been and will continue to be considered on Capitol Hill, Miller said efforts are under across the country to begin constructing the first fleet of CTL plants. "While the legislative wheels grind, developers are working on coal-to-liquids plans with the governors and governments of Alaska, Montana, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia and Louisiana." Miller also noted that America's economic competitors are racing ahead with plans to produce CTL fuels. "China.expects to be producing 20,000 barrels of fuel daily from its first coal-to-liquids plant before the year is out," said Miller. "When planned expansion is complete, the plant will produce 200,000 barrels of fuel a day. This is only the first shot in a massive, $127 billion coal liquefaction campaign by the Chinese." Miller also pointed to CTL production plans in Australia, Indonesia and New Zealand and noted that India's government is actively studying CTL fuel production. A complete copy of Miller's opinion piece is available here. House approves bill funding Ohio CTL studies The U.S. House of Representatives last week approved a fiscal year 2008 appropriations bill that contains $2.25 million to study the technologies that could be used by a CTL plant Baard Energy plans on constructing in southeast Ohio. A total of $1 million has been set aside to support a carbon sequestration scoping study meant to identify major geologic sites in Ohio suitable for underground carbon dioxide storage, while another $250,000 would be used to study the carbon life cycle of coal-based transportation fuel. The remaining $1 million would finance a northeastern Ohio pipeline study. Construction of the Baard facility is expected to result in 4,000 jobs over the four years of expected construction and generate $31 million in income southeast Ohio. Peabody Energy considering CTL plant in western Kentucky Platts Coal Trader reported on July 6 that a CTL project under consideration by Peabody Energy for construction in Union County, Ky., is in the "very preliminary" stages, with its future likely to be decided by the results of a soon-to-be completed feasibility study. Platts reported that the $3 billion plant would produce about 30,000 barrels of transportation fuels daily, with operations beginning in 2012 or 2013. Kevin Sheilley, president and CEO of Northwest Kentucky Forward, told Platts that the office of Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher has given Peabody $400,000 for the feasibility study, with Peabody expected to contribute another $1 million. For now, no completion date for the study has been set. The Peabody CTL plant is one of seven clean-coal projects proposed for the region, according to Sheilley, most of which would produce transportation fuels or synthetic natural gas. Become a CTL grassroots supporter The Coal-to-Liquids Coalition is working to build a strong network of grassroots supporters willing to contact federal and state lawmakers to voice their support for measures meant to spur the domestic production of affordable, clean-burning CTL fuels. CTL grassroots supporters can include company employees, union members, retirees, their families, friends and others spread across the country who share a personal stake in the successful launch of a domestic CTL industry. The coming months are likely to see continued congressional CTL activity; a time in which a robust CTL grassroots network can be an invaluable tool in helping to increase the bipartisan support for legislation designed to jumpstart the production of ultra-clean CTL fuels. To become a grassroots supporter visit: http://www.capitolconnect.com/futurecoalfuels/. As CTL fuel developments transpire in 2007, be sure to regularly visit FutureCoalFuels.org for the latest news and information and learn how you can help strengthen America's energy future. If you wish to unsubscribe from the CTL update e-mail service, please click here. [View Less]

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AUTOMATIC FORWARDING OF PLEADINGS IN TRAIL CASE AT W VA PSC
by William V. DePaulo, Esq. 24 Jul '07

24 Jul '07

I HAVE PUT A FILTER ON MY EMAIL TO AUTOMATE THE FORWARDING TO ec(a)osenergy.org OF ALL EMAIL UPDATES I RECEIVE FROM THE PSC BY VIRTUE OF BEING ON THE SERVICE LIST FOR THE TRAIL PROCEEDING. AS YOU CAN SEE, THIS IS LIKELY TO GENERATE A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF EMAIL. THERE WERE 16 MESSAGES IN MY EMAIL BOX AT THE TIME I CREATED THE FILTER. I DON'T KNOW IF ALL OF YOU WILL WANT TO RECEIVE THE UPDATES, OR NOT. IF YOU DON'T PLEASE LET ME KNOW AND I WILL TAKE SOME STEPS TO CREATE A NEW LIST. THE … [View More]

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[PSC Docket] Activity on PSC Case 07-0508-E-CN(Trans-Allegheny Interstate Line Company)
by WV Public Service Commission 24 Jul '07

24 Jul '07

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[PSC Docket] Activity on PSC Case 07-0508-E-CN(Trans-Allegheny Interstate Line Company)
by WV Public Service Commission 24 Jul '07

24 Jul '07

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[PSC Docket] Activity on PSC Case 07-0508-E-CN(Trans-Allegheny Interstate Line Company)
by WV Public Service Commission 24 Jul '07

24 Jul '07

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[PSC Docket] Activity on PSC Case 07-0508-E-CN(Trans-Allegheny Interstate Line Company)
by WV Public Service Commission 24 Jul '07

24 Jul '07

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[PSC Docket] Activity on PSC Case 07-0508-E-CN(Trans-Allegheny Interstate Line Company)
by WV Public Service Commission 24 Jul '07

24 Jul '07

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Fwd: [WPST-WILD] Rahall energy bill
by Paul Wilson 18 Jul '07

18 Jul '07

here's something on the Rahall Energy bill, which the Club is supporting. best, paul ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Athan Manuel <Athan.Manuel(a)sierraclub.org> Date: Jul 18, 2007 10:56 AM Subject: [WPST-WILD] Rahall energy bill To: CONS-WPST-WILD-FORUM(a)lists.sierraclub.org Folks - I want to give you a quick update on the Rahall energy, which will probably come up for a vote on the House floor next week. This is the bill that we discussed on Wildlands (and other calls)… [View More]

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Fwd: WVNS story for July 17, 2007. WV Mayor: Proposed Mine Threatens Only Source of W
by Paul Wilson 18 Jul '07

18 Jul '07

This is why you cannot give carte blanche on all deep well mines. The Mayor is a retired coal miner, BTW. best, paul ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Public News Service <wvns(a)publicnewsservice.org> Date: Jul 17, 2007 9:52 AM Subject: WVNS story for July 17, 2007. WV Mayor: Proposed Mine Threatens Only Source of W To: pjgrunt(a)gmail.com West Virginia News Service A statewide news service for West Virginia 5312 MacCorkle Avenue, SW, #315, South Charleston, WV 25309 … [View More]Phone: 800.317.6705 Fax: 540-301-0801 E-mail: wvns(a)publicnewsservice.org July 17, 2007 WV Mayor: Proposed Mine Threatens Only Source of Water Bayard, WV - A proposed coal mine would cut through the watershed that supplies all the drinking water for two Grant County towns. The mining company says the water won't be affected - but Bayard (BAIRD) mayor Steven Durst says he wants an independent survey before the mining starts, to make sure the town's drinking water will stay clean. Suggested Script: A West Virginia mayor is sending out an S-O-S for his town's only supply of drinking water. A proposed coal mine in Grant County would dig into a watershed that supplies two towns in the area. The Wolf Run Mining Company has said it can get the coal without hurting the water. Steven Durst is mayor of Bayard and a retired coal miner - he says he and most area residents aren't taking the company's word that their drinking water is safe. Actuality Cut 30777 (:07) "The problem is that if they're wrong about what they say, they're going to destroy a water system for nine hundred families." Suggested Tag: He's calling for an independent geological survey before mining starts - he'd like that to come from a third party, not affiliated with mining interests or with the state's Department of Environmental Protection. The mine is waiting for a permit from Environmental Protection; they're expected to rule in the next two months. **** Second Cut: Durst says when it comes to small towns like his that don't have a lot of political clout, the state government tends to put business interests ahead of protecting the quality of life of local citizens. Actuality Cut 31777 (:10) "Our concerns, of course, are that the Department of Environmental Protection will not protect us, they're not gonna be concerned as to whether or not our water system is endangered." (ends) OPTIONAL REPORTER WRAP - uses first soundbite: LEAD: A West Virginia mayor is sending out an S-O-S for his town's only supply of drinking water. Rob Ferrett has more. Actuality Cut 32 777 TRT: 35 Q...in the next two months. Editor's Note: Durst is at 304 693 7300. Still available: scripts and sound on the web page, or call toll-free # and use the cut # listed below followed by the 3-digits in the web ID above. Cuts 45-47: Few Treatment Options in WV for "Signature Wound" of Iraq War - Comments from Hilda Heady, associate vice president for rural health at West Virginia University. --- To be removed from this list please send an e-mail to remove(a)publicnewsservice.org and put the word "remove" in the subject line. -- Paul Wilson Sierra Club Wildlife & Endangered Species Comm. 504 Jefferson Ave Charles Town, WV 25414-1130 Phone: 304-725-4360 Cell: 304-279-6975 [View Less]

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Global Warming and Energy conference calls
by Grubb, Karen 17 Jul '07

17 Jul '07

________________________________ From: Glen Besa [mailto:glen.besa@sierraclub.org] Sent: Saturday, June 30, 2007 4:01 PM Cc: Allison.Forbes(a)sierraclub.org Subject: FW: [energy activists] Activist resources for House action Folks, Many of you were on our Appalachian Regional call last Thursday to discuss congressional actions related to energy. Allison Forbes with our National Energy Team, who gave us an update on the Congress, hosts calls each Tuesday evening at 8:30 PM and she … [View More]maintains an energy activist list to which she send updates like the one below with attachments. Note that there will be no call this Tuesday because of Congressional recess over the July 4 holiday. Allison has attached a number word documents for you. Sample LTEs, Electronic alerts you can forward and lists of the bills co-sponsors. Many other documents including fact sheets on bills are posted on the web in two locations: 1. The public website: http://www.sierraclub.org/energy/grassroots/ 2. On Clubhouse at: http://clubhouse.sierraclub.org/go/committees/energyhq/grassroots/ which is password protected Additionally, on the call we discussed accessing the text of the bills and their status which can be viewed on www.thomas.gov <http://www.thomas.gov/> Glen Besa, Regional Director Sierra Club Appalachian Region (DC, DE, GA, MD, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV) 422 East Franklin Street, Suite 302 Richmond, VA 23219 O-804-225-9113 x 104 F-804-225-9114 C-804-387-6001 glen.besa(a)sierraclub.org ________________________________ From: Allison.Forbes(a)sierraclub.org [mailto:Allison.Forbes@sierraclub.org] Sent: Saturday, June 30, 2007 12:45 PM To: Allison.Forbes(a)sierraclub.org Subject: [energy activists] Activist resources for House action Before the House energy bill hits the floor, we need to show that renewable energy and clean car legislation has broad support from our Representatives. The Sierra Club is working hard to ensure that a Renewable Energy Standard (RES) and an increase in fuel economy (CAFE) standards will be included in the energy package Speaker Pelosi brings to the floor in July. Please find activist materials for constituent calls, emails and media work below. Next Call We will resume regular weekly calls on Tuesday, July 10. Join the Global Warming and Energy team to discuss the challenges ahead. Tuesday, July 10, 8:30pm Eastern 1-866-501-6174 2239223# House Update Attached is a House energy update from Debbie Sease. On Thursday, Representatives Baron Hill and Lee Terry introduced a bad CAFE bill (H.R. 2927) with John Barrow, Henry Brown, Mike Ross, Paul Ryan and Edolphus Towns as co-sponsors. According to a United Auto Workers union action alert supporting the bill, it sets a target of 32 mpg by 2022 (and might prohibit NHTSA from going above 35 mpg in that year), while maintaining the light truck loophole in current law. This bill lets automakers off the hook and will not secure the oil savings and greenhouse gas reductions we need to reduce our oil dependence and curb global warming. Activists: Is your Representative a co-sponsor of the Markey-Platts fuel economy bill (H.R. 1506) and Udall-Platts RES bill (H.R. 969)? Check out www.thomas.gov for the latest updates. If they are, send your thanks! If your Rep is not already a co-sponsor, please schedule an in-district meeting with the member (or staff) this week and distribute the following materials to fellow activists in your district: 1) A sample call script 2) A sample email alert that you can forward to your local lists 3) Sample Letters to the Editor (LTEs) to generate media buzz around the House energy bill More materials, factsheets and background information are available at clubhouse.sierraclub.org/energy/grassroots Activist Materials - Please forward! Scientists tell us we need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent by 2050, or an average of two percent a year. We believe that in order to reach this goal we must begin by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from our vehicles and electric utilities. Raising miles-per-gallon standards for cars and light trucks is the biggest single step we can take to curb global warming pollution, reduce our dependence on oil and save consumers money at the pump. Requiring electric utilities to invest in renewable energy resources will slash greenhouse gas emissions while creating thousands of new jobs across the U.S. and boosting our clean energy economy. Ask your Representative to cosponsor legislation that establishes a Renewable Energy Standard (RES) of at least 20 percent by 2020 (Udall-Platts bill H.R. 969) and legislation that mandates a four percent annual increase in fuel economy (CAFE) standards (Markey-Platts bill H.R. 1506). Call Your Representative today! E-mail alert for local lists - please distribute! Sample Letters to the Editor: LTEs printed in local and state newspapers help generate media buzz are raise the profile of our issues. Send your own today. Allison Forbes National Conservation Organizer Sierra Club Global Warming and Energy Program (202) 548-6583 [View Less]

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Fwd: H.R. 809
by James Kotcon 15 Jul '07

15 Jul '07

All, Letty is from Preston County and is opposing the TrAILCo line. I have been hearing similar rumors from other sources. So if Mollohan starts telling us that he voted against the appropriations amendment, but is co-sponsoring this bill, we need to make it clear that people in Mon County think that is not good enough and he has some more "splaining" to do. JBK >>> Letty Butcher <multiflora123(a)yahoo.com> 7/10/2007 10:33 PM >>> I guess you heard that the bill is … [View More]

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[FW]Fwd: Wind generation dropped in heat wave
by Paul Wilson 13 Jul '07

13 Jul '07

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Meeting scheduled with Mollohan office
by Grubb, Karen 10 Jul '07

10 Jul '07

We are scheduled to meet in Mollohan's Morgantown office with Anna Rittenhouse Thursday July 12 at 4:00. Her office is in the PO Building on High Street, 2nd floor. She wants information on your group's letterhead to fax to Mollohan. We should try to gather by 3:30 (I may be late as I have a doctor's appointment in Morgantown before that) to arrange who will say what. I am planning to give her the Markey-Platts and Udall-Platts fact sheets I attached, but it would be good to have … [View More]

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CLEANBRIER REMINDER - Hearing Thursday
by Beth Little 10 Jul '07

10 Jul '07

Thursday, July 12, 6:00 - 9:00pm at the Western Greenbrier Middle School in Crawley Please come. No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.476 / Virus Database: 269.10.2/893 - Release Date: 7/9/2007 5:22 PM

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Fwd: ACT: Set Up a meeting with your Congress member on Energy and Global Warming
by James Kotcon 10 Jul '07

10 Jul '07

Josh, Karen, Barbara, et al.: Paul Wilson and I were on a conference call last week to talk about the Energy bills in Congress. As you may recall, the Senate passed an increase in the CAFE standard, and action now turns to the House. The Club is making an all out effort to pass the bill there, with the strongest possible CAFE standard and a renewable energy portfolio standard. In addition, we must oppose coal-to-liquid subsidies in any form, as America must not start down that path if we … [View More]are to avoid a dramatic surge in greenhouse gas emissions. Over the next couple weeks, we will be targeting Molohan and Rahall to ask their support. This will be more difficult than it seems, as both have sponsored coal-to-liquids bills, and both have raised objections to wind farms in their districts. Nevertheless, an increase in CAFE standards has been a Club goal for many years, and the Senate bill is a good start. We are unlikely to see a better bill in this Congress, so we must do our part to get them on board. We should discuss at least three efforts, 1) getting calls to the Congressmen; 2) letters to the editor (guest op/ed pieces would be even better); and 3) setting up a meeting with Mollohan, preferably while he is on the July 4th recess during the next two weeks. (Suvch a meeting might also be a good time to talk about Allegheny's TrAILCo powerline). JBK >>> "Glen Besa" <glen.besa(a)sierraclub.org> 6/30/2007 5:21 PM >>> ACT: Please call your Congress member's office to set up a meeting in the district before July 16. See details below: Folks, One of the most important actions you can take is to set up a meeting with your Congress member or his staff in their district. If you can set up a meeting in the next two weeks, before July 16 when we anticipate the House to take action that would be outstanding TIPS: 1) please check in with staff to coordinate setting up in-district meetings so we don't have multiple asks. Here are your staff contacts: DE - Ezra Temko EzraJT(a)gmail.com GA -- Anna Cherry anna.cherry(a)sierraclub.org MD -- Glen Besa glen.besa(a)sierraclub.org NC - Chatham Olive chatham.olive(a)sierraclub.org SC - Dave Muhly vafw(a)naxs.net TN -- Dave Muhly vafw(a)naxs.net VA - Glen Besa glen.besa(a)sierraclub.org WV - Dave Muhly vafw(a)naxs.net 2) coordinate with other Sierra Club volunteers in the district in setting up the meeting date and time. 3) Invite other groups to accompany you. Make sure they support our position. Other groups might be reps from the faith community, other enviro groups, Trout Unlimited, etc. 4) You'll probably meet a staffer rather than your congress member -ask them to relay your position to the Congress member. 5) Be courteous! Be Prepared! Use the fact sheets as talking points. If there are several of you, assign roles and rehearse what you want to say. See goals below: 6) Report the outcome of your meeting on the attached form above and return it to your staff contacts. GOAL OF IN-DISTRICT MEETINGS: To secure action by Congress that addresses global warming and oil dependence, we will ask Representatives in the House to support legislation to accomplish the following three goals: 1) Establish a national Renewable Energy Standard (RES) of at least 20% by 2020; See Udall-Platts Factsheet 2) Mandate a 4% annual improvement in fuel economy (CAFE) standards; See Markey-Platts Factsheet 3) Prevent environmental damage from motor fuels with a particular focus on blocking any provisions that would jumpstart a new liquid coal industry. See Coal Energy Bill factsheet. Our Priority Targets: State House DE AL (Castle) GA GA8 (Marshall); GA12 (Barrow); GA13 (Scott) MD MD2 (Ruppersberger); MD5 (Hoyer); MD6 (Bartlett); MD7 (Cummings) NC NC1 (Butterfield); NC2 (Etheridge); NC4 (Price); NC7 (McIntyre); NC11 (Shuler); NC12 (Watt); NC13 (Miller) SC SC4 (Inglis); SC5 (Spratt); SC6 (Clyburn) TN TN4 (Davis); TN5 (Cooper); TN6 (Gordon) VA VA3 (Scott); VA10 (Wolf); VA11 (Davis) WV WV1 (Mollohan); WV3 (Rahall) RESOURCES: Many other documents including fact sheets on bills are posted on the web in two locations: 1. The public website: http://www.sierraclub.org/energy/grassroots/ 2. On Clubhouse at: http://clubhouse.sierraclub.org/go/committees/energyhq/grassroots/ which is password protected Additionally, you can access the text of the bills and their status on www.thomas.gov <http://www.thomas.gov/> Glen Besa, Regional Director Sierra Club Appalachian Region (DC, DE, GA, MD, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV) 422 East Franklin Street, Suite 302 Richmond, VA 23219 O-804-225-9113 x 104 F-804-225-9114 C-804-387-6001 glen.besa(a)sierraclub.org [View Less]

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FW: Vacancy on the Greenbrier County Planning Commission
by Beth Little 09 Jul '07

09 Jul '07

Any takers? -----Original Message----- From: William Deegans [mailto:deegans@mac.com] Sent: Sunday, July 08, 2007 9:31 AM To: Beth Little Subject: Vacancy on the Greenbrier County Planning Commission Hi Beth: The Greenbrier County Commission is soliciting applications for a 3-year position on the County Planning Commission. I think it would be a good opportunity to push someone from the Cleanbrier Group if you want to spread the word. At one time in the past, Florian Schleiff indicated he … [View More]

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URGENT - NIETC Comment Period over tommorrow
by Jonathan Rosenbaum 05 Jul '07

05 Jul '07

Tomorrow, July 6th is the last day to leave comments with the DOE concerning NIETC at http://nietc.anl.gov/involve/comments/index.cfm . How important is this? If the National Interest Electric Transmission Congestion Corridors becomes a reality, then even if WVPSC rejects TrAIL we will still have to contend with the fact that FERC may implement TrAIL. TrAIL won't be the last transmission line we end up fighting due to the fact that every large power utility in the United States has signed up … [View More]for an early inclusion in Section 1221(a) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. How can you comment?: Many feel the comment period should have been extended, so at the very least send in a comment saying NO to the question " Would designation of one or more National Corridors in these areas be appropriate and in the public interest?," and request that the comment period be extended for the public. I used these guidelines provided by DOE in their Congestion Study document to provide comments to questions they have for the public: 1. Would designation of one or more National Corridors in these areas be appropriate and in the public interest? A. Does a major transmission congestion problem exist? B. Are key transmission constraints creating the transmission congestion? C. What is the magnitude of the problem? D. What are the relevant transmission or non-transmission solutions? 2. How and where should DOE establish the geographic boundaries for a National Corridor? 3. How would the costs of a proposed transmission facility be allocated? It's a lot of fun answering these questions, but I must admit I haven't had enough time to perform adequate research, however I'm giving it my best try. Keep in mind that the deregulation of the electricity market in 1996 is a key factor in today's congestion, due to shoddy practices by Power Utilities like Enron. It's not clear to me as a Citizen of the United States of America that we actually have a congestion problem, but what we do have are businesses very interested in making money under the guise that the National Security of America is under threat. In that case, the DOE should be interested in creating a decentralized electricity solution, and should recognize that Global Warming is a much greater threat to National Security than the energy economics of congestion. Here's how I answered 1(C). C. What is the magnitude of the problem? It's an insignificant problem compared to Global Warming. This is a perfect time for the DOE to become a significant part of the Global Warming solution. In the process of applying practices that reduce Global Warming, the transmission congestion problem will dissipate and eventually disappear. Jonathan [View Less]

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Re: [EC] Meeting with your Mollohan on Energy and Global Warming
by Duane330＠aol.com 05 Jul '07

05 Jul '07

Karen, josh and the committee. I'm on vacation is Delaware until Sunday, April 22nd. I'll join in the meeting with Mollohan, if after the 22nd, but, please move forward as quickly as you can. Thanks, Duane ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com.

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[FW]Take Action: Urge Congress to Vote for Clean Energy Jobs
by Paul Wilson 05 Jul '07

05 Jul '07

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Re: [EC] An Energy Independence Day op-ed
by James Kotcon 03 Jul '07

03 Jul '07

Jim and Karen, Glen, et al. Thanks for the assistance. JBK >>> Below is the link to the op ed in today's Gazette. Thanks. http://www.wvgazette.com/section/Opinion/Op-Ed+Commentaries/200707028 Bill Price Sierra Club Central Appalachia Environmental Justice Program 922 Quarrier Street, Suite 304 Charleston, WV 25311 Phone 304-342-3182 Fax 304-342-3183 Cell 304-389-8822 >>> "Glen Besa" <glen.besa(a)sierraclub.org> 6/30/2007 5:35 PM >>> … [View More]Folks, With the 4th of July Holiday approaching, consider submitting a letter to the editor about energy independence. Better yet call the editor of your local paper about submitting the OpEd below that you will need to localize. Thanks, Glen Besa From: Odette.Mucha(a)sierraclub.org [mailto:Odette.Mucha@sierraclub.org] Sent: Friday, June 29, 2007 5:58 PM To: glen.besa(a)sierraclub.org; chris.carney(a)sierraclub.org; jessica.hodge(a)sierraclub.org; bob.bingaman(a)sierraclub.org; leigh.fifelski(a)sierraclub.org; joshua.low(a)sierraclub.org; allison.forbes(a)sierraclub.org; dave.hamilton(a)sierraclub.org Cc: chris.wilhite(a)sierraclub.org Subject: Energy Independence Day op-ed see below and attached. To be localized. thanks, odette i'll be in DC through July 6th. please email or call me on my cell 607-279-6338. :) Two Percent for Energy Independence As the Fourth of July approaches and we gather to watch fireworks and celebrate our country?s political independence, it is time to struggle for a new kind of independence: energy independence from what has become a tyranny of fossil fuels. World scientists agree that global warming is here and that it is happening at an alarming rate, largely due to the world?s reliance on the carbon emissions caused by the burning of fossil fuels Fortunately, however, scientists also tell us that we can curb global warming if we take bold, comprehensive steps to cut global warming pollution by 80% by the year 2050. Though this may seem daunting, it equates to a doable two percent every year for the next forty years! Change needs to start now. America is an energy importer, relying on foreign fuels both for the gasoline we use in our cars and for much of the coal and natural gas that we burn for our electricity. Not only do these dirty energy sources contribute to global warming and asthma-causing smog, they also cost American citizens billions of dollars every year in money sent overseas and intrinsically link our economy and way of life to foreign powers. There is, however, a better way. [Insert state] has already started along a new, cleaner path. For [insert state] energy Independence means investing in renewable energy, like [insert best renewable energy practice] as well as in money saving solutions that reduce the amount of energy we use and therefore the need to import. By becoming more energy efficient, like using the super-efficient LED lights in buildings and for traffic lighting, [insert state citizen name] can significantly cut their energy use. As solutions that use less dirty, imported energy sources keep more and more [insert state] dollars at home, we can begin investing more and more of that money in creating our own clean energy alternatives right here at home. [Insert paragraph about effort?s already taken by your state]. Efforts like these are to be applauded, but they must continue to grow and expand. Government can do a lot to protect the environment. The fight against global warming, however, can start right at home. To reach our goal, to build a cleaner, smarter and safer energy future and stronger economy, to meet and overcome the most urgent problem facing us, to protect our children and theirs, we must all be part of the 2 percent solution. Change a light-bulb. Turn the air-conditioning down. Carpool. Write to your elected officials asking them to fight for our energy independence. Citizens, businesses and governments all have a role to play and we must begin to act now. That?s why, this Fourth of July, before I watch the fireworks from [insert location], I?ll honor the legacy of American independence and replace a few light-bulbs with energy-saving fluorescents! Odette Mucha Field Media Coordinator Sierra Club San Francisco, CA 415-977-5761 cell: 607-279-6338 [View Less]

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[CLEANBRIER] This is it!
by Beth Little 01 Jul '07

01 Jul '07

We asked for a public hearing on Water Quality Certification and we are getting it - Thursday, July 12, 6:00 - 9:00pm at the Western Greenbrier Middle School in Crawley (same place as the public hearing on the Draft EIS). It is vital that we have a good attendance and let the WV DEP know how much we care about water quality. I cannot stress how important turnout is, so mark your calendars and bring friends and neighbors. Below are talking points for what to say, but if you aren't good … [View More]at public speaking and your voice shakes as much as your knees, just say (after introducing your self and where you live), "I came because I want the Department of Environmental Protection to protect the Meadow River." Or, if you live in or near Rainelle, "I came because I want the Department of Environmental Protection to protect my supply of drinking water." If you fish, raft, kayak, swim, or otherwise enjoy the Meadow River, mention that. Keep watch for more information about this between now and the hearing. Talking points: The Legislative Rules for the Department of Environmental Protection Office of Water Resources states, "It is declared to be the public policy of the State of West Virginia to maintain reasonable standards of purity and quality of the water of the State consistent with (1) public health and public enjoyment thereof; (2) the propagation and protection of animal, bird, fish, and other aquatic and plant life; and (3) the expansion of employment opportunities, maintenance and expansion of agriculture and the provision of a permanent foundation for healthy industrial development." Under Antidegradation Policy, the Legislative Rules make it clear that existing uses shall be maintained and protected. The quality of the water of the Meadow River would suffer if the flow is significantly reduced, so the DEP should not grant 401 Water Quality Certification without conclusive scientific data that the Meadow River will be okay. So far, to date, there has been no official information assuring that there will be enough water for the WGC plant. At the public hearing on the Draft EIS, DOE representatives admitted that studies were ongoing. We have not heard any results from those studies. The Draft EIS did not specify a final plan for where the water would come from, just that they need 1200 gallons/min, that 500 gallons/min would come from the Rainelle Sewage Treatment Plant, and the rest would come from the Meadow River and/or local wells or maybe some additional source. The problem is that both the Meadow River and the aquifer are at their lowest levels at the same time of the year. Furthermore, the effluent from the Rainelle Sewage Treatment Plant that used to go back into the river will now be completely subtracted from the Meadow River. The information about the Meadow River was based on old data about flow with no studies about impacts on recreation or fish or other biota in the river. The pump tests on the aquifer were so inconclusive that the consultant hired to evaluate groundwater pumping recommended further longer tests and stated that these further tests might indicate that long term pumping is not sustainable. Following are the comments I filed about the water supply on the Draft EIS. If you would like to see the comments from the Appalachian Center, let me know and I will forward them. The incompleteness of the Draft EIS regarding sufficient water supply is admitted on page 2 - 39, where it is stated, "Additional and ongoing groundwater studies are planned to better characterize the local aquifer and the effects of long-term pumping. These studies were not completed in time to be incorporated into the Draft EIS, but they are expected to be available for incorporation into the Final EIS." Conversations with Mark McKoy, geologist with DOE, at the January 4, 2007 public hearing confirmed that studies are ongoing and a sufficient water supply has not been confirmed. Mr. McKoy attempted to characterize this as an insignificant factor by saying that they did not feel they needed to be 100% certain of the water supply, but I submit that the following information demonstrates that they are a long way from 100%. * Page 2 - 37, 2.4.6 Water Supply, states that water supply requirements range from 900 to 1200 gallons per minute depending on seasonal fluctuations (with peak demand in the summer months). (Emphasis added) * Then on page 2 - 38, Figure 2.4-5 illustrates that it is during the summer months of peak demand that the primary water source, the RSTP, is lowest. * Page 2 - 39 goes on to admit, "Because there is some uncertainty regarding whether sufficient water would be available from either the Meadow River or groundwater sources under extended low recharge conditions, WGC has considered two options for supplemental process water supply for the power plant." These options are to use both the Meadow River and the groundwater aquifer; the options differ in which is to be the secondary and which the tertiary source. The problem is that both the Meadow River and the aquifer are at their lowest levels at the same time of the year. * In fact, on page 4.4-12, Figure 4.4-5 illustrates that for over two months in August, September and October the Meadow River flow is below both 60% of the annual average flow and 60% of the average seasonal flow, yielding the sole conclusion that no water at all could be drawn from the river during this time. * In addition, in Appendix D, Groundwater Pump Test, the last statement on page 6, Model Predictions, is that 12 feet could be considered the additional drawdown to reflect short-term drought conditions. Since short-term drought conditions occur during August, September and October, it is when no water can be drawn from the Meadow River, and the aquifer may already be down 12 feet from the summer drought, that the most water (at least 800 gallons per minute in addition to the RSTP) will be required to operate the plant. The first paragraph on page 4.4-14 says it all, "Because of limited hydrologic data on the relationship between the aquifer and the Meadow River, there is an ongoing study on the local aquifer that would provide more insight on the aquifer's characteristics and to a better judge its availability and impacts during use. Also, a gage would be located on Meadow River near the intake structure (under either water supply option) as part of a daily check to monitor and record stream levels. Ongoing collection of river data would allow for a better understanding of the Meadow River's characteristics and along with the ongoing aquifer study, provide WGC more data for better water use decisions. Furthermore, the state would review the issues and provide recommendations to WGC. The forthcoming results from the aquifer tests, continuous monitoring of the river's behavior and correspondence with state agencies would help WGC decide on the best approach to supplying water for the project and minimize adverse impacts to water sources." The actions listed in this paragraph should be completed before a Draft EIS is published for comment. Several other factors further enforce my conclusion that the Draft EIS is incomplete and inadequate: * All these figures are averages and/or estimates, so the reality at a given time could be even worse. * The data regarding Meadow River flow is from 25 years ago. * The choice is left open as to whether the Meadow River will be maintained at 60% of its annual average or 60% of its seasonal average flow. * In most instances where the 60% threshold for reducing the Meadow River flow is mentioned there is an added clause, "or another comparable withdrawal limitation measure determined in consultation with the state." This is an open-ended factor meaning the actual drawdown of the Meadow River may be an unidentified amount. * There is no resolution of the WGC alternatives identifying which source of water supply is to be secondary and which tertiary. The absurdity of the water supply situation is illustrated on page 2 - 39, where it is stated that, "WGC is also investigating alternate groundwater sources outside the drawdown area for the WGC production wells for use as a potential third source of water." Here we have another potential area of environmental impacts that is not identified, not studied, and for which the public will have no opportunity to comment. Incidentally, since the Meadow River is one of three sources of water, the statement should have read "a potential fourth source of water." Additional questions that should be answered by a Draft EIS follow. Why were the following issues raised on page 1 - 7, Table 1 - 1 Issues Identified for Consideration in the EIS, not addressed? * Impacts from elevated stream temperatures from disposal of waste heat. * Impacts from acid rain and mercury deposition in streams. * Impacts from disturbance of the Anjean gob pile (at that time, the only gob pile identified as part of the project). Appendix F, Stream Studies, contains Aquatic Biota Habitat Surveys of Two Streams in Rainelle, WV. Why was no such study conducted on the Meadow River? How is the 60% threshold of the Meadow River flow justified? The Draft EIS refers to the Tennant Method, but this is a technique, not a study. The pertinent statement in the Draft EIS is, "A general rule of thumb is that serious degradation of habitat occurs beyond 30 percent of the annual average." Figure 4.4-4 on page 4.4-11 demonstrates that the monthly variability of flow in the Meadow River makes a "general rule of thumb" invalid in determining how much can be withdrawn from the river without affecting river health; and as noted above regarding Appendix F, no study was conducted of aquatic biota in the Meadow River. Since the unsubstantiated 60% drawdown of the Meadow River is further qualified by the open-ended statement, "or another comparable withdrawal limitation measure determined in consultation with the state," how is the public to make substantive comments on the environmental impacts of an unknown amount? There was scant mention of the monitoring needed to ascertain that the flow of the Meadow River is sufficient (supposing a sufficient flow is determined). Who will perform this monitoring? Who will have access to the monitoring data? What will be the procedure for alerting WGC plant operators when the Meadow River is below the required level of flow? In conclusion, this Draft EIS should be withdrawn and redone, or a supplemental EIS should be issued when the above studies have been completed and the alternatives selected. Barring this, the no action alternative should be selected on the basis that no additional negative environmental impacts will occur. Regarding the existing drainage from the Anjean and other gob piles, there are other alternatives for dealing with those impacts that, by its own admission, are beyond the scope of this document. Besides, the gob piles are currently being treated; and the environmental impacts of disturbing the gob piles and then having the project halted because it becomes financially unfeasible, lacks a sufficient water supply, or other result of the incomplete planning that characterizes the project so far, would be much worse than the no action alternative. No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.476 / Virus Database: 269.9.10/876 - Release Date: 6/28/2007 10:56 AM [View Less]

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6-28-07 SIERRA CLUB - PETITION TO INTERVENE AT PSC IN TRAIL PROCEEDING
by William V. DePaulo, Esq. 28 Jun '07

28 Jun '07

EC'ers ATTACHED IS A COPY OF THE SIERRA CLUB PETITION TO INTERVENE IN THE TRAIL PROCEEDING AT THE PSC. I WILL FORWARD A NUMBER OF OTHER DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING A LIST OF THE DOCKETED PLEADINGS TOMORROW. FYI, THERE HAVE BEEN FOUR INTERIM STAFF REPORTS TO THE COMMISSION, AND THE PSC ISSUED A FAIRLY BROAD PROCEDURAL ORDER ON 6-11 WHICH I'LL ALSO FORWARD. I PLAN TO USE THE "EC(a)osenergy.org" EMAIL ADDRESS TO COPY EVERYBODY ON FILINGS. IF THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO SHOULD BE COPIED WHO WILL NOT RECEIVE … [View More]

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[FW]Fwd: Allegheny Transmission Line intervention
by Paul Wilson 28 Jun '07

28 Jun '07

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[FW]Fwd: W. Virginia coal-fired power plant
by Paul Wilson 27 Jun '07

27 Jun '07

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Expert Witness Prospect
by Jonathan Rosenbaum 25 Jun '07

25 Jun '07

Hi, Did anyone contact Robert L. McConnell? He had a guest commentary in yesterday's June 24th Dominion Post. He has the right characteristics; he's a retired associate professor emeritus of electrical engineering from WVU. He explained, "I have not worked with the load-flow analysis programs, however, I have done a lot of modeling and simulation." He prefers small independent systems over large inter-dependent systems, and he also opposes the construction of the transmission lines on the … [View More]

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FW: Subcommittee on TrAIL
by Grubb, Karen 21 Jun '07

21 Jun '07

Jim says this is ready to send to national. Let me know if anything else is needed. ________________________________ From: Grubb, Karen Sent: Thursday, June 21, 2007 12:54 PM To: 'Paul Wilson' Subject: RE: Subcommittee on TrAIL This is very helpful. Thank you. I am preparing the new matter form and will be sending it to you by tomorrow. Will you take care of getting our legal chair's signature, if needed? Karen ________________________________ From: Barbara Fallon [mailto:… [View More]brbr_fallon@yahoo.com] Sent: Thursday, June 21, 2007 9:48 AM To: Grubb, Karen; James Kotcon; William V. DePaulo, Esq.; wjreilly99(a)yahoo.com; Jonathan Rosenbaum Subject: Re: Subcommittee on TrAIL For the budget write up the language that Paul provided. The Chapter is providing $2500 toward the TrAIL campaign. The SES recently awarded a $5000 grant (pending CGC approval.) The cost for expert witnesses should be minimized because the intention of the energy committee is to share this cost with neighboring environmental groups. The fundraising committee will appeal to donors for contributions through out the campaign. Grant writing will be pursued. Budget Legal Fees.... $5000 Expert Witnesses.... 5000 Publicity expenses.... 1000 Travel, phone and copying costs to committee members.... 1000 Total: $12,000 -----Original Message----- From: ec-bounces(a)osenergy.org [mailto:ec-bounces@osenergy.org] On Behalf Of James Kotcon Sent: Monday, June 18, 2007 8:16 PM To: ec(a)osenergy.org; Barbara Fallon Subject: [EC] Energy Committee Motion and notes Attached are the notes I wrote down of the call tonight. On the call were Barbara Fallon, Jim Kotcon, Duane Nichols , Jonathon Rosenbaum, Will Reilly, Pat Reilly, and Karen Grubb 1. Jim Kotcon moved, Duane Nichols seconded, that the Energy Committee recommend the following to the Chapter ExCom: A. That the Chapter seek approval to intervene in the Allegheny Transmission line case (PSC Case No 07-0508-E-CN) in order to preserve rights for additional participation in the case to the extent funds are available. B. That the Energy Committee allocate $2500 from the 2007 budget for expenses on the case, with additional fundraising to be conducted including grant-writing (Barb Fallon) and direct appeals to donors (Jim Kotcon). C. That the Chapter ExCom authorize use of the Chapter Foundation account, or establish a new Foundation account for purposes of receiving donations for this campaign and related Energy Committee activities. Motion carried. 2. Bill DePaulo will contact Aaron Isherwood, Will Burns in PA (Energy Conservation Coalition of PA), and Rob Marmet in Virginia (Piedmont Environmental Council) to explore opportunities to share expert witnesses. 3. Jim Kotcon will contact additional potential experts to solicit bids for evaluation by the Energy Committee. 4. Karen Grubb will head a subcommittee to draft a more detailed campaign plan. Jim Kotcon, Will Reilly and Jonathon Rosenbaum indicated they would serve, and Barbara will circulate a call for additional volunteers via e-mail. (A date for this subcommittee to meet should be set soon.) 5. Bill says other groups that intervene can decide later to file a joint brief and sponsor testimony with SC. Also, Bill DePaulo will be out of the country from July 1 until after the deadline, so intervention needs to be submitted very soon. JBK P.S. If anyone has any suggestions for names of potential expert witnesses, please send them to me. It is useful for a limited number of people on the Energy Committee (not more than two) to make these initial calls so we do not end up with different experts negotiating with different members of the same committee. _______________________________________________ EC mailing list EC(a)osenergy.org http://osenergy.org/mailman/listinfo/ec [View Less]

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Gone for a week
by Barbara Fallon 21 Jun '07

21 Jun '07

I am leaving for Seattle and won't be back until July 2. Keep up the very good work Barbara ____________________________________________________________________________________ Fussy? Opinionated? Impossible to please? Perfect. Join Yahoo!'s user panel and lay it on us. http://surveylink.yahoo.com/gmrs/yahoo_panel_invite.asp?a=7

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Re: [EC] Fw: WV grant - SES meeting outcome
by Barbara Fallon 21 Jun '07

21 Jun '07

I will be on the intervention sub-committee. I will be the fundraiser person. ----- Original Message ---- From: "Grubb, Karen" <kgrubb(a)fairmontstate.edu> To: ec(a)osenergy.org Cc: mdavis(a)hsc.wvu.edu Sent: Wednesday, June 20, 2007 2:33:03 PM Subject: Re: [EC] Fw: WV grant - SES meeting outcome That’s wonderful Barbara! Now, who wants to be on the intervention subcommittee and when and where can we meet? Subcommittee members please see http://nyri.info/info.htm for inspiration, … [View More]sent to me by Jonathan. Paul said he wanted the completed New Matter Form to submit by Friday. I assume he meant June 22. That is two days from now. I am pretty much free this week, but planned to go to DC this weekend. We need a budget, expert witnesses, co-plaintiffs, and what cooperation we can expect from VA and PA attorneys. Am I right in thinking these all need to be accomplished this week? I am attaching my new matter form document with updates from tonight’s call in bold. Thanks, Karen From: ec-bounces(a)osenergy.org [mailto: ec-bounces(a)osenergy.org ] On Behalf Of Barbara Fallon Sent: Wednesday, June 20, 2007 9:26 AM To: ec(a)osenergy.org Cc: mdavis(a)hsc.wvu.edu Subject: [EC] Fw: WV grant - SES meeting outcome Well, well, well..... ----- Forwarded Message ---- From: Jason Marsden <jcmarsden(a)gmail.com> To: Barbara Fallon <brbr_fallon(a)yahoo.com> Cc: Stephen Crowley <scrow(a)sover.net> Sent: Tuesday, June 19, 2007 6:58:28 PM Subject: WV grant - SES meeting outcome Hello Barbara, The Smart Energy Solutions CIC just completed its monthly meeting and we did approve the $5,000 grant to the West Virginia chapter toward expert witnesses as proposed. This grant will also require the CGC's approval, and they may or may not concur with our recommendation, but in either case you should be hearing from them soon, as they are scheduled to meet June 28. I have copied Steve Crowley, SES-CIC chair, on this message since I will be out of the country for the next 29 days and unable to stay abreast of CGC's decision. Best of luck and a pleasure getting acquainted this past week! Best wishes, Jason -- Jason Marsden Executive Director Wyoming Conservation Voters www.wyovoters.org (307) 265-0870 PO Box 2664 Casper , Wyo. 82602-2664 _______________________________________________ EC mailing list EC(a)osenergy.org http://osenergy.org/mailman/listinfo/ec ____________________________________________________________________________________ Boardwalk for $500? In 2007? Ha! Play Monopoly Here and Now (it's updated for today's economy) at Yahoo! Games. http://get.games.yahoo.com/proddesc?gamekey=monopolyherenow [View Less]

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Energy committee fundraising
by Barbara Fallon 21 Jun '07

21 Jun '07

An estimated budget for the TrAIL Allegheny campaing is $12,000. Depending on how the campaign goes this expense can and will escalate. So far we have $7500. The Chapter budget affords us $2500 and we recently received a $5000 grant from National SES sources (pending CGC approval.) I am the chair of the energy committee, but I am also forming a fundraising sub-committee. Now that we have gotten approval from the Chapter to intervene before the PSC we have to make haste and raise funds to … [View More]

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Fw: WV grant - SES meeting outcome
by Barbara Fallon 20 Jun '07

20 Jun '07

Well, well,well..... ----- Forwarded Message ---- From: Jason Marsden <jcmarsden(a)gmail.com> To: Barbara Fallon <brbr_fallon(a)yahoo.com> Cc: Stephen Crowley <scrow(a)sover.net> Sent: Tuesday, June 19, 2007 6:58:28 PM Subject: WV grant - SES meeting outcome Hello Barbara, The Smart Energy Solutions CIC just completed its monthly meeting and we did approve the $5,000 grant to the West Virginia chapter toward expert witnesses as proposed. This grant will also require the … [View More]

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FW: Energy Committee Motion and notes
by Grubb, Karen 19 Jun '07

19 Jun '07

Just this: Bill says other groups that intervene can decide later to file a joint brief and sponsor testimony with SC. Also, Bill DePaulo will be out of the country from July 1 until after the deadline, so intervention needs to be submitted very soon. I attached the latest version of my notes. I didn't know I volunteered to head the subcommittee, but I guess I can. Karen -----Original Message----- From: ec-bounces(a)osenergy.org [mailto:ec-bounces@osenergy.org] On Behalf Of James Kotcon … [View More]Sent: Monday, June 18, 2007 8:16 PM To: ec(a)osenergy.org; Barbara Fallon Subject: [EC] Energy Committee Motion and notes Attached are the notes I wrote down of the call tonight. On the call were Barbara Fallon, Jim Kotcon, Duane Nichols, Jonathon Rosenbaum, Will Reilly, Pat Reilly, and Karen Grubb 1. Jim Kotcon moved, Duane Nichols seconded, that the Energy Committee recommend the following to the Chapter ExCom: A. That the Chapter seek approval to intervene in the Allegheny Transmission line case (PSC Case No 07-0508-E-CN) in order to preserve rights for additional participation in the case to the extent funds are available. B. That the Energy Committee allocate $2500 from the 2007 budget for expenses on the case, with additional fundraising to be conducted including grant-writing (Barb Fallon) and direct appeals to donors (Jim Kotcon). C. That the Chapter ExCom authorize use of the Chapter Foundation account, or establish a new Foundation account for purposes of receiving donations for this campaign and related Energy Committee activities. Motion carried. 2. Bill DePaulo will contact Aaron Isherwood, Will Burns in PA (Energy Conservation Coalition of PA), and Rob Marmet in Virginia (Piedmont Environmental Council) to explore opportunities to share expert witnesses. 3. Jim Kotcon will contact additional potential experts to solicit bids for evaluation by the Energy Committee. 4. Karen Grubb will head a subcommittee to draft a more detailed campaign plan. Jim Kotcon, Will Reilly and Jonathon Rosenbaum indicated they would serve, and Barbara will circulate a call for additional volunteers via e-mail. (A date for this subcommittee to meet should be set soon.) JBK P.S. If anyone has any suggestions for names of potential expert witnesses, please send them to me. It is useful for a limited number of people on the Energy Committee (not more than two) to make these initial calls so we do not end up with different experts negotiating with different members of the same committee. P.P.S. Please let me know if I missed anything, or if anyone has other recollections of our actions tonight. _______________________________________________ EC mailing list EC(a)osenergy.org http://osenergy.org/mailman/listinfo/ec [View Less]

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FW: New Matter Form - AP TrAIL
by Grubb, Karen 19 Jun '07

19 Jun '07

The items in 5 were not listed in any order, and won't necessarily all apply. They are some ideas Jim had on the drive back to Fairmont from DOE, and I don't think will be included on the New Matter Form. Here is the list amended based on Jonathan's comments. Did I get the gist of your comments correctly? Karen ________________________________ From: ec-bounces(a)osenergy.org [mailto:ec-bounces@osenergy.org] On Behalf Of Jonathan Rosenbaum Sent: Saturday, June 16, 2007 3:49 AM To: … [View More]

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conference cal tonight
by Barbara Fallon 18 Jun '07

18 Jun '07

Sorry for the short notice. Please call in to a conference call tonight at 7:00. We need to talk about the New Matters Form, Funding, and what our discussion will entail for the ExCom confernece call on Tuesday night. Re: Allegheny Number 866.501.6174 Conference Code: 1005700 Hope you can join us... Barbara ____________________________________________________________________________________ Take the Internet to Go: Yahoo!Go puts the Internet in your pocket: mail, news, … [View More]

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New Matter Form - AP TrAIL
by Grubb, Karen 18 Jun '07

18 Jun '07

Jim suggested I write these down and send them out as a starting point for what needs to be accomplished before intervention can be approved. Karen

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Re: [EC] Allegheny Transmission line deadline
by Barbara Fallon 13 Jun '07

13 Jun '07

I agree with Jim taht we need a strategy to win this thing. We need a strategy in order to get foundation funding for that matter. In the mean time we need to convice the ExCom that we have money to engage in effective intervention. Right now we don't have that. Paul, How do I get on to the Sierra Clubhouse? I thought I would look around there for some mini-grants that could show good effort to the ExCom. It is hard to get foundation money for expert witnesses. Grant making … [View More]foundations want to give money for educational purposes generally . Barbara ----- Original Message ---- From: James Kotcon <jkotcon(a)wvu.edu> To: Glen Besa <glen.besa(a)sierraclub.org>; James Kotcon <jkotcon(a)wvu.edu> Cc: aaron.isherwood(a)sierraclub.org; Mike Town <michael.town(a)cavtel.net>; dave.muhly(a)sierraclub.org; Paul Wilson <pjpaulgrunt(a)gmail.com>; bfallon(a)fairmontstate.edu; Peter.Martin(a)sierraclub.org; ec(a)osenergy.org Sent: Tuesday, June 12, 2007 5:05:54 PM Subject: Re: [EC] Allegheny Transmission line deadline Glen, et al.: The major players in Virginia are with the Piedmont Environmental Council. Several attended a regional strategy meeting in Cumberland MD last week and we are collaborating on joint letters to Congress regarding the Hinchey-Wolfe bill. But there was no discussion of cost-sharing, other than discussion of the concept that expert witnesses in one state could likely testify in other states at a much lower cost, since much of the analytical work would not need to be repeated. The main players in PA are the Pennsylvania ECO, as well as a grassroots coalition called "Stop The Towers". They also are participating in what is currently being called the Mid Atlantic Energy Coalition. This entity apparently just was formed in the last month. As Bill DePaulo stated, it will cost as much as we are willing to spend. We could intervene for a negligible cost, but getting the expert witnesses and spending the time to develop all the legal documents to win could cost $10,000 to $100,000, and if we had $200,000, we could spend all of that too. I believe that this will require both the legal PSC intervention, as well as a political strategy, and a state legislative strategy, and a federal Congressional strategy to win. So if we are serious about winning, we should be developing a longer-range plan. JBK >>> "Glen Besa" <glen.besa(a)sierraclub.org> 6/12/2007 8:25 AM >>> Jim, Contact Aaron Isherwood on this powerline matter. Also, have any folks in the VA horse country expressed an interest in supporting a WV challenge to the power line? Do we have any idea of the cost? It is possible that VA folks concerned about the power line thru their lands might desire to help fight it in WV as well. Glen Glen Besa, Regional Director Sierra Club Appalachian Region (DC, DE, GA, MD, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV) 422 East Franklin Street, Suite 302 Richmond, VA 23219 O-804-225-9113 x 104 F-804-225-9114 C-804-387-6001 glen.besa(a)sierraclub.org -----Original Message----- From: James Kotcon [mailto:jkotcon@wvu.edu] Sent: Monday, June 11, 2007 9:09 PM To: duane330(a)aol.com; KenW; BarbaraF; Rodger Dotson; William DePaulo; Mary Rehmann; Paul Wilson; allantweddle; Nate Parr; James Kotcon; Sally Wilts; brbr_fallon(a)yahoo.com Cc: JonathonR; Beth Little; Karen Grubb; Stephen M. Walker; Autumn Bryson; Mary Davis; Bill Price; Dave Muhly; Glen Besa; Regina Hendrix; Jim Kotcon Subject: Allegheny Transmission line deadline The scheduling order came out from the WV Public Service Commission today. It specifies that petitions to intervene must be submitted within 30 days, hence July 11 is the deadline if the Chapter wants to intervene. I think we need a detailed plan for how to win this campaign if we are to move forward. There is an emerging regional coalition (the Mid-Atlantic Energy Coalition) which has representation from 4 states. Paul and I attended a meeting last week, and there seems to be a consensus to oppose the line, but the West Virginia portion of the case will need to be fought by West Virginians. JBK _______________________________________________ EC mailing list EC(a)osenergy.org http://osenergy.org/mailman/listinfo/ec ____________________________________________________________________________________ Take the Internet to Go: Yahoo!Go puts the Internet in your pocket: mail, news, photos & more. http://mobile.yahoo.com/go?refer=1GNXIC [View Less]

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Fwd: RE: Allegheny Transmission line deadline
by James Kotcon 12 Jun '07

12 Jun '07

FYI: At Aaron's request, I took the liberty of contacting Erin Chalmers to give him a status report on this issue. Erin indicated that we could file a New Matter Form before the Chapter ExCom approves intervention. This way, we could be working with National concurrently to relieve some of the time constraints from doing it sequentially. If the National Litigation Committee approves it, we would still need the Chapter ExCom's approval before proceeding, but we do not need to have these … [View More]approvals in any specific order. We do not need approval from other Chapters to intervene in the WV case, but since these cases are proceeding simultaneously in PA and VA, notification and collaboration would be useful and appropriate. JBK >>> <aaron.isherwood(a)sierraclub.org> 6/12/2007 1:59 PM >>> Actually, for efficiency's sake, please call my colleague, attorney Erin Chalmers **as soon as possible** at 415-977-5765. Thanks, Aaron Aaron Isherwood Senior Staff Attorney Sierra Club Environmental Law Program 85 Second Street, 2d Floor San Francisco, CA 94105-3441 Phone: (415) 977-5680 Fax: (415) 977-5793 CONFIDENTIAL LEGAL COMMUNICATION/WORK PRODUCT This e-mail may contain privileged and confidential attorney-client communications and/or attorney work product. If you receive this e-mail inadvertently, please reply to the sender and delete all versions on your system. Thank you. "Glen Besa" <glen.besa@sierra club.org> To "'James Kotcon'" <jkotcon(a)wvu.edu> 06/12/2007 05:25 cc AM "Paul Wilson" <pjpaulgrunt(a)gmail.com>, <dave.muhly(a)sierraclub.org>, <aaron.isherwood(a)sierraclub.org>, <Peter.Martin(a)sierraclub.org>, <Peter.Martin(a)sierraclub.org>, "'Mike Town'" <michael.town(a)cavtel.net> Subject RE: Allegheny Transmission line deadline Jim, Contact Aaron Isherwood on this powerline matter. Also, have any folks in the VA horse country expressed an interest in supporting a WV challenge to the power line? Do we have any idea of the cost? It is possible that VA folks concerned about the power line thru their lands might desire to help fight it in WV as well. Glen Glen Besa, Regional Director Sierra Club Appalachian Region (DC, DE, GA, MD, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV) 422 East Franklin Street, Suite 302 Richmond, VA 23219 O-804-225-9113 x 104 F-804-225-9114 C-804-387-6001 glen.besa(a)sierraclub.org -----Original Message----- From: James Kotcon [mailto:jkotcon@wvu.edu] Sent: Monday, June 11, 2007 9:09 PM To: duane330(a)aol.com; KenW; BarbaraF; Rodger Dotson; William DePaulo; Mary Rehmann; Paul Wilson; allantweddle; Nate Parr; James Kotcon; Sally Wilts; brbr_fallon(a)yahoo.com Cc: JonathonR; Beth Little; Karen Grubb; Stephen M. Walker; Autumn Bryson; Mary Davis; Bill Price; Dave Muhly; Glen Besa; Regina Hendrix; Jim Kotcon Subject: Allegheny Transmission line deadline The scheduling order came out from the WV Public Service Commission today. It specifies that petitions to intervene must be submitted within 30 days, hence July 11 is the deadline if the Chapter wants to intervene. I think we need a detailed plan for how to win this campaign if we are to move forward. There is an emerging regional coalition (the Mid-Atlantic Energy Coalition) which has representation from 4 states. Paul and I attended a meeting last week, and there seems to be a consensus to oppose the line, but the West Virginia portion of the case will need to be fought by West Virginians. JBK [View Less]

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Re: [EC] Allegheny Transmission line deadline
by James Kotcon 12 Jun '07

12 Jun '07

Glen, et al.: The major players in Virginia are with the Piedmont Environmental Council. Several attended a regional strategy meeting in Cumberland MD last week and we are collaborating on joint letters to Congress regarding the Hinchey-Wolfe bill. But there was no discussion of cost-sharing, other than discussion of the concept that expert witnesses in one state could likely testify in other states at a much lower cost, since much of the analytical work would not need to be repeated. The … [View More]main players in PA are the Pennsylvania ECO, as well as a grassroots coalition called "Stop The Towers". They also are participating in what is currently being called the Mid Atlantic Energy Coalition. This entity apparently just was formed in the last month. As Bill DePaulo stated, it will cost as much as we are willing to spend. We could intervene for a negligible cost, but getting the expert witnesses and spending the time to develop all the legal documents to win could cost $10,000 to $100,000, and if we had $200,000, we could spend all of that too. I believe that this will require both the legal PSC intervention, as well as a political strategy, and a state legislative strategy, and a federal Congressional strategy to win. So if we are serious about winning, we should be developing a longer-range plan. JBK >>> "Glen Besa" <glen.besa(a)sierraclub.org> 6/12/2007 8:25 AM >>> Jim, Contact Aaron Isherwood on this powerline matter. Also, have any folks in the VA horse country expressed an interest in supporting a WV challenge to the power line? Do we have any idea of the cost? It is possible that VA folks concerned about the power line thru their lands might desire to help fight it in WV as well. Glen Glen Besa, Regional Director Sierra Club Appalachian Region (DC, DE, GA, MD, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV) 422 East Franklin Street, Suite 302 Richmond, VA 23219 O-804-225-9113 x 104 F-804-225-9114 C-804-387-6001 glen.besa(a)sierraclub.org -----Original Message----- From: James Kotcon [mailto:jkotcon@wvu.edu] Sent: Monday, June 11, 2007 9:09 PM To: duane330(a)aol.com; KenW; BarbaraF; Rodger Dotson; William DePaulo; Mary Rehmann; Paul Wilson; allantweddle; Nate Parr; James Kotcon; Sally Wilts; brbr_fallon(a)yahoo.com Cc: JonathonR; Beth Little; Karen Grubb; Stephen M. Walker; Autumn Bryson; Mary Davis; Bill Price; Dave Muhly; Glen Besa; Regina Hendrix; Jim Kotcon Subject: Allegheny Transmission line deadline The scheduling order came out from the WV Public Service Commission today. It specifies that petitions to intervene must be submitted within 30 days, hence July 11 is the deadline if the Chapter wants to intervene. I think we need a detailed plan for how to win this campaign if we are to move forward. There is an emerging regional coalition (the Mid-Atlantic Energy Coalition) which has representation from 4 states. Paul and I attended a meeting last week, and there seems to be a consensus to oppose the line, but the West Virginia portion of the case will need to be fought by West Virginians. JBK [View Less]

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FW: [energy activists and chapters] URGENT: MN NH AR KS IN OR MO WV
by Grubb, Karen 12 Jun '07

12 Jun '07

________________________________ From: Allison.Forbes(a)sierraclub.org [mailto:Allison.Forbes@sierraclub.org] Sent: Tuesday, June 12, 2007 9:31 AM To: michael.oleary(a)sierraclub.org; jan.oconnell(a)sierraclub.org; spease4kc(a)everestkc.net; kathyandria(a)gmail.com; nwrpaladin(a)yahoo.com; glen.besa(a)sierraclub.org; Murphydalzell(a)aol.com; fbdrinkwine(a)msn.com; jsaxe(a)suscom-maine.net; standish7(a)yahoo.com; Bob.Bingaman(a)sierraclub.org; robinmann(a)earthlink.net; APickel(a)aol.com; … [View More]massen(a)pacbell.net; linda.c.modica(a)mac.com; darrclarke(a)gmail.com; bdfrank(a)centurytel.net; james.irwin(a)sierraclub.org; Ned.Ford(a)fuse.net; blossomhoag(a)gmail.com; nancylaplaca(a)yahoo.com; dczamanske(a)hotmail.com; boba(a)openaccess.org; jlasturner(a)socket.net; alsattler(a)igc.org; Eadie2Act4Water(a)aol.com; stacey.kawakami(a)gmail.com; willtoole(a)sbcglobal.net; Zichella(a)sierraclub-sac.org; fleslie(a)fit.edu; lglustrom(a)gmail.com; bruce(a)chesdata.com; pjwray(a)verizon.net; rainerd(a)gmail.com; jlindop(a)gmail.com; dennis.winters(a)verizon.net; FRANKZAS(a)aol.com; BobFusinato(a)tx.rr.com; shirleyf(a)theriver.com; Nmiller285(a)aol.com; patrea(a)execpc.com; rainmt(a)rochester.rr.com; jerryhinkle(a)sbcglobal.net; becca.glenn(a)sierraclub.org; shannon.harps(a)sierraclub.org; scrow(a)sover.net; Dave.Hamilton(a)sierraclub.org; Jessica.Hodge(a)sierraclub.org; janefeldman(a)earthlink.net; Jim(a)EarthDayLA.org; donna.hoffman(a)sierraclub.org; jrclark(a)radiks.net; dmayhue(a)gmail.com; alanskoalas(a)yahoo.com; ctwiliams(a)yahoo.com; kathyseal(a)gmail.com; jonibosh(a)fastq.com; tmatteson1(a)mindspring.com; randy.francisco(a)sierraclub.org; mark.bettinger(a)sierraclub.org; chris.carney(a)sierraclub.org; DScott1575(a)aol.com; daveol(a)earthlink.net; karen.woodsum(a)sierraclub.org; Cesia.Kearns(a)sierraclub.org; rob.smith(a)sierraclub.org; p.morse(a)sbcglobal.net; bob.muldoon(a)mindspring.com; Energy.Intern(a)sierraclub.org; glc44(a)aol.com; jim_scon(a)yahoo.com; jim_scon(a)yahoo.com; scott.elkins(a)sierraclub.org; sharonstephens(a)earthlink.net; ktharder(a)efg.com; worldgarden(a)igc.org; emmapeel13(a)aol.com; toys(a)ritternet.com; yvonne.cather(a)kansas.sierraclub.org; craig.lubow(a)kansas.sierraclub.org; frank.drinkwine(a)kansas.sierraclub.org; bill.griffith(a)kansas.sierraclub.org; thomas.kneil(a)wichita.edu; craig.lubow(a)kansas.sierraclub.org; haydenb(a)bloomington.in.us; peterfritz(a)hoosier.sierraclub.org; workmanjm(a)aol.com; jerry.sutherland(a)comcast.net; phred(a)sunlightdata.com; jlasturner(a)socket.net; dardenne(a)charter.net; hrbtsn(a)aol.com; pjgrunt(a)gmail.com; regina1936(a)verizon.net; Grubb, Karen; duane330(a)aol.com; roy.hengerson(a)sierraclub.org; Ron McLinden Cc: scrow(a)sover.net; Dave.Hamilton(a)sierraclub.org Subject: [energy activists and chapters] URGENT: MN NH AR KS IN OR MO WV Importance: High Energy Activists and Chapter staff in MN NH AR KS IN OR MO WV: BEFORE 2pm TODAY: Ask your Senator to oppose amendments that undermine Senator Bingaman's Renewable Electricity Standard and derail America's path to renewable energy. The Senate begins debate on energy legislation today. We need you to call your Senator BEFORE 2pm Eastern. Please use the talking points below to engage grassroots and grasstops. The vote on the amendment will happen today. Talking points: * Hi, my name is XXXX and I'm calling from [city, state]. * I'm calling to ask Senator XXXX to oppose Senator Domenici's amendment to the national renewable electricity standard. * The amendment would weaken the deployment of truly clean and renewable electricity sources like wind, solar, biomass and geothermal. * The renewable standard is intended to promote our development of clean, new energy sources, not give more subsidies to the coal and nuclear industries. * The renewable standard provides a way to save consumers like me money on their utility bills by increasing the competition from renewable energy sources and reducing the demand for natural gas * Thank you. MN Coleman 202.224.5641 NH Gregg 202.224.3324 AR Pryor 202.224.2353 Lincoln 202.224.4843 KS Brownback 202.224.6521 IN Bayh 202.224.5623 OR Smith 202.224.3753 MO McCaskill 202.224.6154 WV Rockefeller 202.224.6472 America's use of truly clean and renewable energy could get a historic boost from the Senate today [June 12th], but the bill is threatened by an amendment allowing nuclear, coal and other so-called "clean" energy sources. Senator Bingaman's (D-NM) renewable electricity standard would require utilities to acquire 15 percent of their energy from the wind, sun, energy crops and the heat of the earth's core by 2020. Please call your today senator to oppose amendments that undermine Senator Bingaman's standard and derail American's path to renewable energy. Please call now as the vote on the amendment will happen today! Next energy activist call: Tuesday, June 12, 8:30pm Eastern - 1-866-501-6174 - 2239223# Find resources at: clubhouse.sierraclub.org/energy/grassroots Allison Forbes National Conservation Organizer Sierra Club Global Warming and Energy Program (202) 548-6583 [View Less]

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FW: Allegheny proposes rate increase for proposed transmission line
by Grubb, Karen 12 Jun '07

12 Jun '07

________________________________ From: Frank Young [mailto:fyoung@mountain.net] Sent: Monday, June 11, 2007 10:10 PM To: Lew; WVHCBOARD(a)yahoogroups.com Cc: Jim Kotcon; Bill DePaulo; Dave Saville; Grubb, Karen Subject: Allegheny proposes rate increase for proposed transmission line Allegheny proposes rate increase for proposed transmission line CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) -- Allegheny Energy wants a rate increase for the West Virginia piece of a proposed 240-mile interstate transmission line … [View More]

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back from florida
by Barbara Fallon 11 Jun '07

11 Jun '07

Everyone, My florida trip took a couple of turns. First I did not have Internet access and so I have to catch up on emails today. Second, I was in Florida longer than expected because I had to rush my mother to the emergency room for atrila fribulation. She is fine now, just a serious scare. I am back in my office today and I will catch up with all of you. Barbara ____________________________________________________________________________________ Choose the right car based on … [View More]

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NIETC Pittsburgh Public Meeting on June 13
by Jonathan Rosenbaum 11 Jun '07

11 Jun '07

The Pittsburgh meeting is next week on Wednesday. I was intrigued to find out that you can attend it via a web cast by registering at http://www.iian.ibeam.com/events/ener001/22727/ . Jim is providing carpooling as well. Important links: Pittsburgh Meeting Info - http://www.energetics.com/NIETCpublicmeetings/june13.shtml Comment Submission (deadline July 6) - http://nietc.anl.gov/involve/comments/index.cfm NIETC Homepage - http://nietc.anl.gov/involve/comments/index.cfm Jonathan

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I am on holiday
by Barbara Fallon 29 May '07

29 May '07

I am in Florida visiting my mother until June 4th. I am keeping up with the energy committee and working on funding from here in florida. I am wondering if anyone was able to get to the PA meeting? I can't find the email that circulated re: Virginia Sierra and expert witnesses. Can anyone resend that to me? or was I dreaming again//// My body is poolside, but my thoughts are with you. REgards, Barbara … [View More]

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Re: [EC] Wanted Saturday - PA Chapter Meeting - Powerline Decision
by James Kotcon 18 May '07

18 May '07

I regret that I will not be able to attend, I am hosting a workshop at the WVU Organic Research Farm Saturday, so it would be bad form for me to blow it off. Attached is the (near) final version of the Fact sheet and reasons to oppose that the WV Chapter Energy Committee complied. I am also attaching a draft of the New Matter Form we prepared for the WV Chapter ExCom to intervene in the WV Public Service Commission case. It is my understanding that the WV ExCom has tabled this pending a … [View More]

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Wanted Saturday - PA Chapter Meeting - Powerline Decision
by Jonathan Rosenbaum 18 May '07

18 May '07

Hi EC, Attached are directions, and the Agenda for the PA Chapter's meeting this Saturday at State College. This will be the first time they are discussing TrAIL, and deciding on a course of action. Jeff Schmidt, Chair, told me that Will Burns of Stop the Towers, will be making a power point presentation after Lunch ( http://stopthetowers.org/ ). This is a great opportunity for us to present the situation, and establish important alliances. Jeff would like to know by 4:00 p.m. today … [View More]

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minutes of May 11 conference call
by Sally Wilts 18 May '07

18 May '07

I'll attach the minutes of the conference call. Send any corrections to Barbara Fallon at brbr_fallon(a)yahoo.com ____________________________________________________________________________________Fussy? Opinionated? Impossible to please? Perfect. Join Yahoo!'s user panel and lay it on us. http://surveylink.yahoo.com/gmrs/yahoo_panel_invite.asp?a=7

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Re: [EC] New Matter Form
by Jonathan Rosenbaum 14 May '07

14 May '07

In the *DESCRIPTIVE MEMO* in the last paragraph of B, "intervenore" should be "intervenors", and the last paragraph of C needs a period. In A where it says: "The alleged purpose of the line is to relieve transmission congestion and bottlenecks between power plants in the Ohio Valley and Midwest states and consumers in East Coast markets. However, we believe that the line's primary purpose is to increase sales of electricity from underused coal-fired power plants owned by … [View More] Allegheny Energy, and displace electricity from more expensive, but potentially cleaner power plants nearer to those markets." I'd like to make a comment, and maybe a suggest a rewording, though I'm leaving that up to you, it's probably good as it is. However, according to the "Draft National Corridor Designations Key Findings and Conclusions" at http://nietc.anl.gov/documents/docs/FindingsAndConclusions.pdf under the "Principal Findings and Conclusions Concerning the Draft Mid-Atlantic Areas National Corridor Designation", one finding is that "high-production-cost generators in eastern PJM are used extensively, while generating capacity at lower-production-cost generators in western PJM are inaccessible with additional costs passed on to electricity consumers." Allegheny Power is definitely taking advantage of that finding so it's not an issue of us believing that this may be the case. One of my favorite findings of the DOE Findings is the one that talks about the Mid-Atlantic Critical Congestion Area, and then goes on to mention "the large number of military and other facilities in this area that are extremely important to the national defense and homeland security" and how "any deterioration of the electric reliability would constitute a serious risk to the well-being of the Nation." Now explain to me how building a new transmission line, that is easily vulnerable to a terrorist attack, is going to accomplish this? The DOE should be pushing decentralized energy solutions like the one Alan Tweedle talks about in his previous email. It can be further argued that for the DOE to encourage increased energy usage via non-renewable energy production and by establishing Corridors to facilitate this production, would mean that the DOE, itself, is a threat to the National Security it hopes to protect. Why? Because Global Warming poses a serious threat to the stability of the world. Probably everyone has read this - http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/04/15/warming.military.ap/index.html . Anyways, what I'm saying here about this finding wouldn't fit into the Matter Form, however, if you can find a place for it in the handout that will be passed out Wednesday night, it may turn some heads. Jonathan James Kotcon wrote: > Attached is a draft version of a New Matter Form for the Chapter to intervene before the Public Service Commission in the proposed Allegheny Transmission line case. The initial intervention is relatively low cost, but if expert witnesses are needed, the costs could escalate. There is significant potential to share costs with other citizens/groups along the proposed route, but firm commitments have not yet been made. > > No scheduling Order or deadline for intervention has yet been set, but one is expected soon and we would have at most 30 days to get approval to intervene in order to preserve our ability to participate fully in the proceedings. > > The Energy Committee approved this (in principle) on Friday night, with the goal of presenting it to the ExCom for approval at the Tuesday night conference call, and then submittal to the National Litigation Committee in San Francisco. > > Jim Kotcon > > P.S. Any suggestions for additional language or editting would be appreciated. > > [View Less]

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New Energy Committe Email List
by Jonathan Rosenbaum 12 May '07

12 May '07

Hi all, To make communication easier for the Energy Committee, I've set-up this list. To post new email, send it to ec(a)osenergy.org . If you need to use a different email address to interact with the list, go to http://osenergy.org/mailman/listinfo/ec , follow the subscribing directions, and reply to the confirmation email. Over the weekend, if the listinfo link isn't working for you, it's related to the fact that I changed the DNS for osenergy.org. And if the link isn't working, you … [View More]

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Test
by Jonathan Rosenbaum 12 May '07

12 May '07

Test

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