Baker, Olsommer Issue Statement on Proposed Powerlines in Pike County

HARRISBURG - Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20) and Rep. Jeff Olsommer (R-Wayne/Pike) today issued the following statement regarding the proposed Shawnee-Walker auxiliary transmission lines:

"Last week, we sent a letter to FirstEnergy Pennsylvania to express our concerns on the lack of transparency with the proposed Shawnee-Walker auxiliary line transmission project," the legislators said. "Our residents have legitimate concerns and deserve an opportunity to ask questions and have their voices heard."

FirstEnergy Pennsylvania is proposing to route the Shawnee-Walker auxiliary transmission line near homes, agricultural lands and sensitive areas. Doing so, the legislators contend will impact transmission infrastructure on property values, long-term land use and the use of eminent domain as it relates to the transmission lines.

"Maintaining private property rights is essential when discussing projects of this nature. We do not support the use of eminent domain to acquire property. We remain opposed to the project as it currently stands. We are hopeful that FirstEnergy will do the right thing and assemble a public forum, including the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, the Delaware River Basin Commission and any other relevant entities," the legislators concluded.