Wouldn't you like to know? ( We would.)

There are many unanswered questions in the wake of the Northern Pass announcement of a proposed route for a private transmission line through 187 miles of New Hampshire.

1. The proposed Northern Pass transmission line would be for the exclusive use of Hydro-Quebec to export electricity from Canada and is not needed today. Why should New Hampshire sacrifice its landscape to benefit a Canadian government-controlled corporation? How much will project partner Northeast Utilities profit each year if this project were built?

2. Given that Hydro Quebec has agreed to underground a similar line in Vermont and New York, why not here? Given the billions of dollars Hydro Quebec would make from this private transmission line, why shouldn't they pay what it costs to bury such a line in New Hampshire? Is our landscape not worth it?

3. Why can’t this additional power from Quebec be brought in on the existing transmission line that already runs to Massachusetts through New Hampshire?

4. Is there a guarantee that all energy transmitted on a Northern Pass line would be renewable? Can Northern Pass guarantee the carbon reductions they claim? Will PSNH be closing its own fossil-fueled facilities?

5. Northern Pass as proposed will need to cross privately owned conserved land to be built. Without landowner permission, how does Northern Pass LLC propose to use eminent domain when state law and the constitution forbid it?

6. Does Northern Pass LLC believe it can use any public road in the state to bury its private transmission line? If so, why shouldn't they be required to bury the entire line along transportation corridors, including through Concord?

7. Northern Pass proposes to erect towers--- as high as 150 feet --- in rights of way acquired for distribution lines for New Hampshire consumers. Why should the State of New Hampshire allow a private transmission line to diminish private property values as far as these higher towers can be seen?

8. Northern Pass is still suggesting the use of the Connecticut Headwaters Conservation Easement as an “alternate route". Why, after State leaders have told them this should be off the table, does Northern Pass keep serving this as an alternative? Do they not respect the legal status of conserved lands?

9. PSNH, a subsidiary of Northeast Utilities, has been pushing for Northern Pass despite the damage that would be inflicted by erecting more than 2200 new transmission towers across 187 miles of our state. Why have they sold out New Hampshire?

The City of Concord will have more area (and landowners) impacted from Northern Pass than any other community, which has prompted city officials to request that the line be buried.

Northern Pass will be holding an open house in Concord Wed. Sept. 4 at the Holiday Inn on North Main St. 5:30-7:30. We encourage local landowners and residents to attend and ask these questions and more.

You Own the Land. We own the land. We all own the landscape.