PJM Interconnection, the regional transmission organization for Pennsylvania, approved
the Transource Project in 2016.The Independence Energy Connection Project proposed
29-miles of 135-feet tall transmission towers to span eastern Franklin County with each
mile holding five to seven towers.
Within the year, a group of landowners, citizens, and community leaders–formed with a
goal of opposing the Transource Project at the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission
(PA PUC). Ultimately, the diligence and determination paid off. In May 2021, the PA
PUC denied the Transource applications and rescinded the PA PUC certificate of public
convenience. The journey continued as Transource filed state and federal lawsuits and
appeals ensued.
Recently the Third Circuit Court of Appeals with the limited three Judge panel upheld
the original decision that the PA PUC ruled in error.
Last week in an astounding announcement. The PA PUC announced it would not seek
further appeal, leaving associates and legal scholars in absolute astonishment.
Today Lori Rice, the president of the Coalition To Protect Franklin County said The
commonwealth’s sovereign authority to regulate public utilities hangs in the balance of
this decision. For almost a decade we have engaged to defend our resources, to
defend our homes, our land, and our way of Life.
The Pennsylvania Constitution guarantees fundamental and indefeasible rights: to
acquire, possess, and protect property; to enjoy clean air and pure water; and to
preserve the natural, scenic, historic, and esthetic values of our environment.
Rice said the law in this matter is quite clear that Congress has not granted FERC any
jurisdiction over the decision to approve or deny an interstate transmission project in
Pennsylvania.
We are imploring that the Pennsylvania Utility Commission continue the defense of our
sovereignty and our constitutional rights as citizens and rate payers of Pennsylvania.
We need letters to go out immediately saying you support the continued stance. Send
these to your representatives and most importantly directly to the PA PUC, visit us on
face book for this information @ Coalition to Protect Franklin County
CTPFC.PA@gmail.com
