RI Governor Carcieri Joins Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Governors in Opposition to Midwest Electric Transmission Lines Plan

May 6, 2009 -- Rhode Island Governor Donald L. Carcieri joined Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Governors in a letter to the leadership of the United States and House of Representatives expressing opposition to the various proposals regarding transmission and the move to create a national corridor for transmission of electricity from the Midwest to the East Coast.

The Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Governors expressed concern about the significant risks posed by recent proposals regarding transmission that could jeopardize states efforts to develop wind resources and inject federal jurisdiction into an area traditionally handled by states and regions.

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Current legislative proposals focused on transmission, in contrast, would designate national corridors for transmission of electricity from the Midwest to the East Coast, with the cost for that transmission allocated to all customers. This ratepayer-funded revenue guarantee for land-based wind and other generation resources in the Great Plans would have significant, negative consequences for the East Coast: hindering efforts to meet regional renewable energy goals with regional resources and would establish financial conditions in the electricity markets that will impede development of the vast resources on and off shore. In addition, the legislative proposals for selective federal subsidy for certain land-based wind resources paired with the practice of dispatching the lowest cost available generation resource could result in surplus transmission capacity or artificially inflated energy prices for Midwest renewables being paid for by East Coast ratepayers.

“Wind power, and other renewable energy sources, is abundant on the East Coast with easy access to centers of population. A regional approach to transmission would support economic development and green jobs in this region, without the burdensome costs associated with transmission lines from the Midwest,” said Governor Donald L. Carcieri.

In the letter, Governor Carcieri and his colleagues applauded the leadership for their support of renewable energy and its role in enhancing clean energy job creation, increasing energy security and curbing greenhouse gas emissions. The Governors also encouraged Congress to support new federal policies to promote wind resources. If transmission is to be addressed in energy legislation, the Governors believe, Congress should focus its attention on regional solutions.

In addition to Governor Carcieri, the letter was signed by Governors from Massachusetts, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont, and Virginia.

Source: Rhode Island Governor