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Statement of Governor Kaine Urging U.S. House Support of the Wolf-Hinchey Amendment

Statement

By: Tim Kaine
By: Tim Kaine
Date: June 20, 2007
Location: Richmond, VA
Issues: Energy Federal, State and Local Relations

Governor Timothy M. Kaine released the following statement as the U.S. House of Representatives prepares to vote on a bipartisan amendment proposed by Rep. Frank Wolf of Virginia and Rep. Maurice Hinchey of New York to delay the implementation of the U.S. Department of Energy's draft National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor (NIETC) final designations.

Several national organizations also support the Wolf-Hinchey amendment, including the National Governors Association, the Civil War Preservation Trust, the National Park Service, the Federal Trade Commission, the Environmental Defense Fund, and the American Farm Bureau.

"I urge Members of Congress to support the Wolf-Hinchey amendment, which would prevent the Energy Department from pre-empting a state's traditional authority regarding transmission line site decisions.

"State processes, such as Virginia's, should be protected to ensure electrical power reliability, while securing historic, environmental, recreational and cultural resources, and addressing local concerns.

"Postponing the final designations for only one year will give the Energy Department time to fully consult with all state governments before the NIETC designations become permanent."


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