Gov. Lynch: Northern Pass needs to listen better

In his final State of the State speech, Gov. John Lynch addressed the following environmental issues, including his stand on the Northern Pass proposal:

"Over the past eight years, we’ve worked together to preserve thousands of acres of open space; to reduce mercury pollution; to protect our clean waters. 

We’re building a new energy future, with an energy efficiency fund to help businesses and residents cut their energy costs, and new standards that are spurring renewable energy projects.

Senate Passes Eminent Domain Bill (HB648)

The New Hampshire Senate today voted 23-1 to pass HB648, clarifying that private powerline companies may not apply to the Public Utilities Commission to be able to use eminent domain in siting transmission lines such as the proposed Northern Pass project.
"This is a huge victory for New Hampshire homeowners and landowners," said Jane Difley,

Eminent Domain and Need for HB648

Soon after Northern Pass, a private shell corporation, announced their proposal to erect more than 1,100 towers across 180 miles of New Hampshire landscape in the fall of 2010, landowers began reporting that project representatives were suggesting that, if necessary, they would use eminent domain to build the private transmission line. They have refused to voluntarily take eminent domain off the table as way to get what they, a private corporation, want.

Tell the Senate to Defend Your Property Rights Today!

On January 18, the New Hampshire State Senate will vote on HB648. For anyone who values private property rights, this is one of the most important votes this legislative session. Please call your state senator before January 18 and ask him/her to support the Bragdon/Forrester amendment to HB648.