page 22: Compares 500,000 volt (500 kV) lines to a "freeway through a major city or maybe a freight train." Answer: yes, this freeway or freight train should definitely be put across prime farmland.
page 33: "How could Idaho Power encourage community support of DSM (Demand Side Management)?" Answer: Demand it be put through the communities that will directly benefit. OR demand it be routed through designated utility corridors on public lands.
page 38: ". . . Reinforcement alternatives have been identified that can delay major new transmission into the valley: (including) Tie into the PacifiCorp 500,000 Volt transmission line to the south." Answer: Why does it make sense to construct more 500 kV line corridors than necessary? Why should PacifiCorps' lines be ignored? Maybe we ought to rethink this fast track thing.
page 52: "Transmission line Right of Ways can be obtained using:
- Easement: gives Idaho Power the right to use the land for a specific purpose (for those who simply want to give up their property rights for 25 cents on the dollar)
- Fee Title Ownership: Idaho Power owns the property, receiving title through a deed (but why pay, when you can condemn it?)
- Permit: Idaho Power makes application to the appropriate agency for a permit to place the necessary facilities across public lands (Why doesn't Idaho Power pursue this one?)
- Eminent Domain or Condemnation: Idaho Power may exercise its right under state law to take the easement or property through court action." (In the state of Oregon, the right to take easement through domain or condemnation comes only through Oregon state agencies. )
There is no money to be made by giving easements. A corridor through productive land will reduce productivity and land values, leading to less county and state tax revenue and reduced employment. This is not only bad for farmers in Malheur County but for all those who depend upon the farm economy, including neighbors of farmers.
page 53: "Are there circumstances that make certain line routes more favorable than others? Cost, Hazards, and Obstructions. Are there environmental or regulatory reasons that certain line routes won't work?" Answer: Yes, there will be costs, hazards and obstructions if Idaho Power pursues no alternative to routing these lines over prime Malheur County farmland.Write to your state agencies and tell them how you feel about Idaho Power running its electrical freight train through Exclusive Farm Use property!
