Path of Destruction (Potomac Appalachian Transmission Highline)

NOTE:  Please check http://calhounpowerline.wordpress.com/  and http://www.stoppathwv.com/stoppath-wv-blog.html regularly to stay updated with all PATH proceedings.

VICTORY -  PATH 2/28/2011 R.I.P.   Conceived prior 2008, Born 2009, Died 2011  (can ya hear me laughing?!!)
Caution:  PATH could technically rear it's ugly head and what is left of it's cold dead body in the future.  Remain Vigilant.
While this is a hard earned victory that has been fought for 3 years, there is a lesson to be learned.  Not paying attention or having a voice in matters of the state because "it doesn't affect me or cross my property" is a thought that is a trap.  Everyone needs to be wary and vigilant. As you can see from this battle, PATH (and all other projects like it) affect not only landowners, but everyone within the state as well. There have been stepping stone victories along the way.  We pushed through bills that now require landowners in the proposed Right of Way to now be notified via certified letter when projects such as PATH file at the PSC instead of them being notified by a little ad in the newspaper. We fought for information via discovery/motions to compel that the power companies fought to not disclose, but we won.  We fought for people to become Intervenors when the power companies sought to deny that right...we won. We learned how to fight through the system..and we also learned how to fight dirty (which is more fun that you think it would be), and we learned how to fight outside the system and we learned how to divide and conquer.

This Landowner and Intervenor, along with all of our other Intervenors of the PATH case - will forever watchdog the PATH Players and be ready to spring back into action at a moments notice. And this time, we know how to play the game.

Keep checking back for updates and a link to a website for Alternative One - the project that makes the need for PATH completely obsolete. There are a few more last minute things we need to wrap up regarding PATH.  Watch as we drive the final nail into PATH's coffin.  After that, join us as we all dance on PATH's grave.

The immediate threat is over.  But the fight must continue.  Please check back on 3/5/2011 to see new websites describing Alternative One and sites that will be watch-dogging American Electric Power and First Energy/Allegheny Energy in the event that they try to resurrect PATH. For once, WV didn't get shafted by big business.  More to come...


2/28/2011- PATH pulls the plug on their project -  files request to withdraw the PATH project with the PSC at direction of PJM.  CLICK HERE

2/28/2011-  PATH TAKES A HARD HIT AND IS ALMOST DEAD.  VICTORY for the little people.  After PATH continually requested multiple delays in the PSC evaluation of the need for their ridiculous PATH project, it looks like David has finally beaten Goliath.  Yes, that's right folks.  Over the course of these delays, alternatives to PATH have become viable, including Alternative One which would increase grid efficiency by 60% and eliminate the need for PATH.  PATH attorneys and "experts" tried valiantly over the course of the last 3 years to consistently pull the wool over citizens eyes while putting their hands in the federal and state government to try to push PATH through.  The PATH project would have cost an estimated 2.1 Billion Dollars.  Alternative One would cost 1/3 of that.  The people of WV would have paid for  the cost of the PATH project through their electric bill and some of those people would have been forced to give up private land in the event of eminent domain. For pictures of what the land would have looked like, CLICK HERE.   The power companies leading the destruction of ripping 280 miles through WV were Allegheny Energy and American Electric Power.  As of February 25, the final transition of Allegheny Energy to First Energy was completed.  Today PJM Interconnection issued this press release directing the suspension of PATH and holding the project in abeyance CLICK HERE.  Additionally, PATH also issued a statement that they will be withdrawing their state applications for the PATH project CLICK HERE.   It remains to be seen what the PSC says about the withdrawal.   There is still work to be done on our end, but now we can see a light at the end of the tunnel. Stay tuned.


1/4/2011 - You are all probably wondering why I never posted the new legal proceeding schedule.  As you recall, I said that it didn't matter because in a few months PATH would be asking for another tolling (postponement),  Shocker..I was right (sort of).  Several weeks ago the staff of the PSC filed to dismiss the case or toll, simply because PATH is falling apart, they have no numbers, there is a new alternative that essentially wipes away the need for PATH, etc.  PATH is unhappy with this filing.  Intervenors filed in support of the motion.   All are waiting for the commission to decide.  We are hoping for a decision later this week. 

10/4/2010 - PATHLLC renewed all of its cyber property today.  :)  If you are one of the PATH players - we are gearing up for another year of fun.

9/11/2010 - The verdict is in...the PSC agreed to postpone again lol.   Now Intervenor witness testimony isn't due until Jan 2011.  This is actually fine with me because I have so many sites to launch and I was running out of time because I took 3 months off.  So, now I have ample time to launch the others.  The formal new schedule will be posted later tonight..provided the incompetent PATH and attorneys don't file another suspension request..lol...(that probably won't come around again for another month or so) lol.

9/9/2010 -HAHAHAHAHAHA....HEY..lol...if anyone out there wants to whole scoop on PATH, the PATH partners, Attorney's and employees..and how this whole farce of a project came into being and is shaping up in laymens terms, CLICK HERE and read the first comment under "Name Calling and Condescending as a Strategy" topic on the Stop Path Blog.   ROFLMAO!  Can't wait for Part Two.  I think the author captured the essence perfectly.   Hey AngryLandowner - if you want, shoot me an email and I'll set up a page for you and you can express your creativity for the world to see.

9/9/2010- PATH came up with a stupid story/excuse of how "they think that the schedules in MD, WV and VA will align and it is all good..blah blah".    Well, I THINK that PATH and all of their employees/clients are sorely incompetent.  Anyhoo...motions are pouring in from the PATH fighters and intervenor groups to  suspend/dismiss the project until PATH can get their stuff together.  If you haven't yet filed your motion, you can still fax in a letter of protest and if you are a legal party to the case you can file a motion to join with the other group.  Is everyone enjoying the time and tax payer money that PATH is forcing you to spend?  Are you enjoying the already increased power bills that they are making you pay in order to fund their  folly project which takes private land and destroys the environmental ecosystems?  A project that they cannot even proceed with because they have no proof of the "need".  At least we all still get to pay for their time.  Nice.   Visit the powerline blog listed above and the stoppath blogs for more details.  I have some more websites to build.

8/31/2010 - PATH players filed once again for the PSC to allow yet another delay. The PSC requested a summary of the "alignment" schedules that PATH insists is happening in VA and MD for the PATH folly project before they allow yet another extension (what is this..like the 5th one?).  Of course, we all know that there is no "alignment" schedule and that it is just an excuse for the PATH players to use to keep wasting tax payer money and expending all of the PATH opponents resources (nice try guys).  There isn't even an official filing in VA yet lol.  ANYHOOO...PATH attorneys have like 1 week left to come up with summary before the PSC decides on a new extension, so as soon as we hear...I'll post the "new and improved makes sense for everyone we are a big team and one big happy family ..and we have all of our Ps and Qs in line schedule" that PATH will be trying to shove down everyone's mouth.  Hopefully the PSC is starting to see through the smokescreen of corporate greed.

8/18/2010 - CLICK HERE to see my latest message to the PATH Players.

5/1/2010:  The PATH fight is kicking into gear again.  For those of you new to the fight - Allegheny Energy and American Electric (PATH) requested a "delay" in the proceedings because they no longer had the numbers from PJM Interconnection to merit the PATH (Potomac Appalachian Transmission Highline) project.  This project will strip land from local landowners and force them to live near a high voltage transmission line.  The new hearing schedule is listed above in the "Reminder" section.

1/21/2010:  OUR commentary on Joe's state of the state address  CLICK HERE

1/13/2010:  Governor Manchin gave his state of the state address.  I will be posting commentary on this shortly as I have some interesting food for thought to point out, and also some discrepancies.

1/6/2010: The destruction does not stop with PATH.  CLICK HERE

1/6/2010:  I wonder why the WV PSC doesn't pull the plug on PATH.  If VA is being routed around, the maps are down....obviously the project is changing and the current application isn't really valid.

1/5/2010:  PATH took all of the route maps off of www.pathtransmission.com.  Is this because they don't want anyone to know what they are doing?  Are they changing the route?  Also, on a more humorous note:  VA Intervenors are insisting that PATH never be allowed to refile AND that the intervenors be reimbursed by PATH, for time and money spent fighting a project that wasn't needed in the first place.  Perhaps the PATH maps are down because they are going to try to go around VA.   It would be nice if our "puppet governor Manchin" would put the cabash on PATH like VA did.  Probably too much to ask from him though.

PJM Does Not Have the Numbers To Prove PATH is Needed.  The Whole Thing is for PJM and the Power Companies to Make MONEY.

12/29/2009:  PATH asks VA if they can pull the entire PATH application and refile no earlier than THIRD quarter 2010 because..well..frankly..PJM doesn't have the numbers to prove that PATH is needed.  They also admitted that the numbers were wrong and that PATH isn't needed by 2014 as originally thought.  So now they want to refile late next year, which makes no sense because MD and WV still have applications that we are supposed to file a timeline on.

12/21/2009:  PATH asks VA to suspend and cancel the filing so that they can refile in early 2010 and that the schedules will run concurrently with VA and MD.

12/21/2009:  PATH refiles in MD. CLICK HERE

11/17/2009:  Applicants (PATH) submit a new schedule for procedural hearings/intervernors/witness testimony.  PSC approves the new schedule.  CLICK HERE to read it.  PATH does not have up to date information on need (probably because the need has declined and this project is a rouse for American Electric Power to reclaim lost profits over the last several years.  Americann Electric is desperate to tap into the grid and has no problem in doing so at the expense of WV, a state that is filled with mountain top removal, higher mortality rates, higher poverty rates, etc.

11/2/2009:  Allegheny Energy held their 3rd Quarter webcast today.  You can listen to a taped replay and view the slides by CLICKING HERE.  Paul Evanson - CEO of Allegheny said "there are a few issues with PATH but we are confident that they will be resolved."  What is interesting is that Allegheny is partnering with American Electric and yesterday, Mike Morris (CEO of American Electric) issued a statement about a new transmission line company called Transco (CLICK HERE).  He doesn't even mention Allegheny as a partner nor makes reference to PATH.  What does this mean?   Tomorrow at 9:45 EST time AEP (American Electric) will be giving their 3rd quarter webcast, so maybe we will learn more then.  If AEP pulls out of the partnership (and I am not saying that they will), this will significantly alter the PATH route because it will not run from the Amos plant.  Further reason to dismiss the PATH case, even though spokeswoman for Allegheny insists that there is no reason for WV PSC NOT to proceed with the case.    Meanwhile, NO WORD from the WV PSC on the decision to dismiss or toll.   If you are interested in attending the AEP webcast tomorrow you can CLICK HERE for access, just follow the link provided on the page.

10/28/2009:  West Virginia PSC Staff files motion to dismiss or delay PATH case due to PATH providing insufficient evidence.  CLICK HERE to read more.

10/23/2009: Check out my new ROW page to see the truth about the "right of way" 

10/22/2009:  Final Public Hearing at Buckhannon.  Please go to http://calhounpowerline.wordpress.com/ to read all about it.

10/9/2209 - REMINDER:  Discovery Questions to PATH Applicants due on 10/19/2009.  (This means if you are an intervenor or legal party in the PATH case that you have until 10/19/2009 to ask questions to PATH in preparation for witness testimony.


8/27/2009 - REMINDER:  Intervenors who oppose the "county grouping" system are required to have their "proposed organizational structures for Intervenor groups" in by 12 Noon September 14, 2009.

8/27/2009 - We have temporarily taken down the interactive blog but hope to add it back in at a later date.

8/18/2009:  No news from the PSC Status Hearing held on Monday 8/10/2009.  The PSC has sent out a form that is an electronic agreement that basically states that Intervenors are willing to receive and send info by email, thus eliminating the need for people to pay postage and send out hard copies to every single involved party, which is over 250.   The PSC has grouped Intervenors into county groups, which supposedly, Intervenors have the option of participating or not participating in.  The idea was to have each group have a spokesperson so that "PATH expert witnesses (yeah right..expert..that is the term that I would use) would not be cross examined by 250 individual people.  Once the PSC sends out the final information regarding the electronic agreement, the names will be divided into those Intervenors and parties willing to accept email, and those parties and Intervenors who wish to receive hard copies.  From that point on, whenever any party files any documentation pertaining to PATH, it is emailed to the email group and hard copies must be sent to those who wish to not receive email.

8/2/2009:  CLICK HERE

8/2/2009: Noonish today - got a call from a family member. Someone from Manchin's office called their cell  -  "wrong number."  Giving the benefit of the doubt - BUT, number has been tracked, linked to a person, and will show up on itemized statement. No one from Manchin's office has ever called anyone in my family before.  Wierd.

8/2/2009:  We have created an open forum blog for people to network and share ideas.  (temporarily dismanteled 8 27 09)

a STATUS HEARING regarding PATH on Monday 8/10/2009 at 9:30AM.  The meeting will be held in the Cultural Center State Theater, Plaza Level of the Culture Center, State Capitol Complex, 1900 Kanawha Blvd, E.  Charleston, WV.  This meeting is open to the public however this meeting is only for the purpose of discussing procedural status of the case with the parties.  The commmission will not take public comment, will receive no evidence, or take any sworn testimony during this meeting.  The commission can deny your petition to intervene.  The commission may address other petitions or motions, including petitions to intervene still pending at this time.  The commission states that they will not deny a petition to intervene merely on the basis that one does not attend this meeting, HOWEVER, the commission may make decision that result in the denial of one or more petitions.  If you are against PATH and if you have petitioned to be an intervenor, you need to be at this meeting. 


July 17, 2009:  A PATH representative came out to our farm.  They are now approaching all affected landowners.  They want each landowner to sign a permission form to allow surveyors to come onto your land and take environmental assessments and core drilling if needed.  DO NOT SIGN THIS FORM.

The can do all of their assessments AFTER the project is approved.  If you sign this form, you are making it easier for them to take your land.  Don't be fooled.

You do not have to give them permission.  They may tell you that "they can't fully answer your questions  unless the survey team comes out."  This is a cop out.  Don't be foolish - DO NOT SIGN THE FORM.  Later on it can possibly be interpreted as "implied consent."

DISCLAMER:  Legal information and interpretation given on this website and PATHLLC.org is not to be intended as confirmed legal advice.  Ladies and gentlemen, the law is always up for interpretation and we at PATHLLC collaborate to interpret the law as WE understand it.  It is up to each person to find and consult with an attorney who is knowledgeable in law interpretation (get a lawyer who will fight for you and dig deep).  Your attorney can take our interpretation as "food for thought."