The above quote is from Harry Reid, who along with Capitol Hill and the new president want to pass federal legislation granting the Feds the power to place transmission lines no matter what local people, or state authorities, want.
You can hear NPR's discussion "Gathering Puts Energy Into Improving Power Grid" at this link http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=101082181&ft=1&f=1006&sc=emaf (you will need Flash Player to listen to it) Link sent by Nancy Peyron in Baker County
Julie Shelton sent the following story from Associated Press 2/23:
Federal officials debate placement of power grid
By H. JOSEF HEBERT
WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic congressional leaders and the Obama administration indicated Monday that they will push for greater federal authority to locate electric transmission lines, saying a national power grid stands in the way of developing alternative energy sources.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said he will soon introduce legislation that includes giving federal regulators authority to override states on electric grid placement decisions as part of a package of energy proposals the Senate is expected to take up in the coming weeks.
"We cannot let 231 state regulators hold up progress," Reid said, referring to the members of state public utility commissions that decide on transmission locations in the states. He said states should be given every opportunity to participate, but that "there may come a time when the federal government will have to step in," including directing the taking of land for grid corridors.
A clean energy conference that included former Vice President Al Gore and former President Bill Clinton focused extensively on the need for a national "smart" grid to transport electricity, including an expansion of the system to bring wind and solar energy from remote locations to the nation's cities.
Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said he was ready to open energy corridors on federal land, but that the power grid of today cannot move renewable energy from where it is located to where it is needed. . .
States have fought to maintain jurisdiction over the location of the power grid.
Fred Butler, who is chairman of New Jersey's association of utility regulators, said state officials are willing to work with the federal government on placement issues. "We are opposed to the federal takeover of the siting authority," he said.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., also called for expansion of the nation's power transmission grid and development of a "smart grid" that allows increased efficiency and access to remote wind and solar energy resources.
Former New York Gov. George Pataki, one of the few Republicans at the conference, said the federal government must get more involved in establishing power transmission lines.
"If you try to run a wire through someone's community that becomes about as contentious as you get," said Pataki, and if that power is going through a state "you don't have to take a poll, no one is going to be for it" . . .
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hP1MeJ5rEOxzGy1ncVpvaaQDhIxgD96HFMP00
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Idaho Power's 2006 IRP Addendum
Renewable energy resources are looming as a part of federal legislation. A quote from Barron's on what may be in store: http://online.barrons.com/article/SB122937973044308433.html?mod=googlenews_barrons
"Expect Federal Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) to provide a base-level of renewable energy production at the state level. Currently 20-plus states have an RPS, ranging from 10%-20% by 2015-2020."
(Keep this in mind when reading references to renewable energy in the IRP Addendum.)
From the Integrated Resources Plan 2006 Addendum (Download the 198-page pdf HERE)
Page 7:
The Boardman to Hemingway project is important for the development of renewable resources. Northeast Oregon has the potential for both wind and geothermal resource development.
(Are these Renewable Portfolio Standards according to the state where they reside or the power company developing them? What about Idaho's RPS?)
Idaho Power and Horizon Wind Energy (Houston, TX) recently developed the first phase of the 101 MW Elkhorn Valley Wind Project in Union County, Oregon. . .
. . . It is considerably less expensive to build the substation and equipment necessary to connect to the 230 kV system and new renewable resource projects may find it more cost effective to connect to the existing transmission line if transfer capacity is available on the 230 kV system.
(Small renewable energy generators can't connect to 500 kV lines!)
Page 20:
Given the potential for renewable resource development in eastern Oregon and transmission-constrained access to existing and future Pacific Northwest resources, along with renewable energy and wind integration issues within the region, transmission capacity improvements beyond those identified in earlier Idaho Power resource planning analyses are warranted.
(This is all there is about renewable energy resources in the IRP Addendum.)
Page 4: (page 11 of the pdf)
In the time since the 2006 IRP was filed, the name of the McNary to Boise project was changed to Boardman to Hemingway to more accurately reflect regional landmarks and revised termination points. The line capacity was also increased to 500 kV for engineering reasons and to accommodate Idaho Power’s 225MW as well as additional third party requests for bulk-power interstate transmission service on the new line.
(Third parties may also be required to pay part of the costs of construction.)
The Hemingway-Boardman [Boardman to Hemingway] and the Gateway West projects have both been identified as “fast track” projects by NTTG [Northern Tier Transmission Group] because both projects provide considerable benefits to the regional transmission system.
(Oregon agencies have assured us that "fast track" is not part of the state site application process.)
The purpose of this document, the Integrated Resource Plan Addendum, is to obtain acknowledgement of the Boardman to Hemingway Transmission Project from both the Idaho and Oregon PUCs. Neither utility commission has formally commented on the Boardman to Hemingway Transmission Project at this time.
(Until this document was submitted, the OPUC was not aware that Sand Hollow was an essential gas generating substation for this line.)
Page 9:
New housing growth and the associated increase in air conditioning load in southern Idaho is driving much of Idaho Power’s peak-hour load growth. . .
The 65 MW of growth per year is 5 MW per year less than predicted in the 2008 IRP Update. However, peak demands in the first ten years of the forecast period reach nearly 80 MW higher than the previous forecast.
(Why is Malheur County's way of life being sacrificed to southern Idaho's air conditioning?)
The higher peak demand in the current forecast is primarily due to the increased demand of Idaho Power’s newest special contract customer, Hoku Scientific, Inc.
(Why is Malheur County's way of life being sacrificed to Hoku Scientific?)
Hoku Scientific is a polysilicon manufacturer (photovoltaic cells for solar panels) in Pocatello that has contracted with Idaho Power to build a substation there. This link details the agreement is for June 2007. http://www.techagreements.com/agreement-preview.aspx?search=govlaw&gov=16&num=340932&title=Hoku%20Scientific%20-%20Agreement%20For%20Engineering%20of%20Hoku%20Electric%20Substation%20And%20Assoc.%20Facilities
A January article about Hoku's problems finishing their factory in Pocatello: http://seekingalpha.com/article/115089-hoku-scientific-s-dilemma-what-happens-when-your-customers-can-t-pay?source=yahoo
Here's a really happy thought:
Page 16:
An added operating cost reduction for Idaho Power’s Idaho and Oregon customers is that Idaho Power will have transmission rights over the entire length of the Boardman to Hemingway transmission path. . . . Idaho Power customers will no longer pay the BPA wheeling charge for the Boardman energy when the Boardman to Hemingway project is completed.
This IRP identifies "Aurora Electric Market Model Analysis" as Idaho Power's "routing tool" for siting the energy corridor almost exclusively through private land. IPCo's stated reason that EFU and other private land were disregarded by this tool is that it was not given the "weight" other constraints (such as sage grouse) were given.
(It was the computer's fault! )
Friday, February 27, 2009
Logic prevails, for now, in Idaho anyway
Today's Idaho Statesman editorial in its entirety.
http://www.idahostatesman.com/opinion/story/681437.html?mi_pluck_action=comment_submitted&qwxq=7956150#Comments_Container
Register with the Statesman and you will be able to make a comment on this editorial.
Our View: Logic prevails, for now, in flap over power line
PARMA AND IDAHO POWER
Idaho Statesman Published: 02/27/09
An equestrian subdivision and a 500,000-volt power line just don't mix.
And, somewhat belatedly, Idaho Power Co. appears to have gotten the message. Company officials have redrawn the maps for the transmission line. At this point, none of their possible routes run near Parma.
Score one, for the time being, for a small-town mayor who raised a big-time and much-justified ruckus. When Parma Mayor Margie Watson got word about Idaho Power's plans, she got angry and her community of 1,800 people got organized.
Locals quickly posted a Web site and started raising money for a potential legal and public relations battle. Luckily, Parma residents have logic on their side.
The power line would cut through the site of a proposed 800-acre subdivision that would feature large lots, equestrian areas and riverside home sites. The line would also intersect the flight path for the city airport and border waterfowl habitat at the state's Fort Boise Wildlife Management Area. Standing at 1,200- to 1,500-foot intervals, the line's 190-foot-tall towers would dwarf the city's 101-foot-tall water tower.
Watson wonders how Idaho Power could plan a route near Parma. "How do you forget a city?" she asked recently.
Idaho Power probably won't forget Watson any time soon. "We could have been more diligent," said Douglas Dockter, an engineering leader for the utility.
The power line siting issue doesn't just involve Parma. Idaho Power is looking to build a 300-mile transmission line linking a substation in Boardman, Ore., to the Hemingway substation near Murphy. Eventually, the utility plans to add another 1,150 miles of line from Hemingway to a Wyoming substation.
These projects are needed to ship power not just within Idaho Power's service area, but throughout the region. For instance, the larger, 500,000-volt lines would more easily bring in electricity during the summer, when power demand peaks.
The Parma debate is a cautionary tale for the Northwest, a region that will need more transmission lines to meet future power demand. If this flap illustrates anything, it shows the complexity of devising a route.
Watson criticizes Idaho Power for developing a route that would largely traverse private lands. Idaho Power says it wouldn't be feasible or cost-effective to build solely on public lands, while skirting around the Oregon Trail, sage grouse nesting sites and big game wintering and calving areas.
And Idaho Power cannot rule out building within Parma's "area of impact," lands that could someday be developed and annexed into the city. Idaho Power tries to avoid putting lines in impact areas, Dockter said, but the utility also must make sure that a detour around Parma doesn't create other problems elsewhere on the route.
Idaho Power will work on Boardman-to-Hemingway power line permits until December 2011. The utility got an early head's up about Parma, Dockter said, and that shows the process works.
The process will really work if Idaho Power bypasses Parma.
"Our View" is the editorial position of the Idaho Statesman. It is an unsigned opinion expressing the consensus of the Statesman's editorial board. To comment on an editorial or suggest a topic, e-mail editorial@idahostatesman.com.
dairywife wrote on February, 27 9:24 AM:
"An equestrian subdivision and a 500,000 volt power line just don't mix."
Neither would our 320-acre Ontario dairy farm be able to function if bisected by 12 story, 40x40 towers and the high-voltage lines running between them.
Oregon's Department of Energy has already issued a preliminary opinion directing Idaho Power to move its lines off of exclusive farm use ground in Malheur County. So far Idaho Power continues to maintain this preferred route over private property in eastern Oregon in spite of the high probability that it will be compelled to move it.
We are hoping reason will prevail in eastern Oregon as it seems to finally be doing in Idaho.
Good for Parma, and good for Owyhee County, which was able to convince Idaho Power to move its proposed route off of private and onto public property near the PP&L line.
http://www.idahostatesman.com/opinion/story/681437.html?mi_pluck_action=comment_submitted&qwxq=7956150#Comments_Container
Register with the Statesman and you will be able to make a comment on this editorial.
Our View: Logic prevails, for now, in flap over power line
PARMA AND IDAHO POWER
Idaho Statesman Published: 02/27/09
An equestrian subdivision and a 500,000-volt power line just don't mix.
And, somewhat belatedly, Idaho Power Co. appears to have gotten the message. Company officials have redrawn the maps for the transmission line. At this point, none of their possible routes run near Parma.
Score one, for the time being, for a small-town mayor who raised a big-time and much-justified ruckus. When Parma Mayor Margie Watson got word about Idaho Power's plans, she got angry and her community of 1,800 people got organized.
Locals quickly posted a Web site and started raising money for a potential legal and public relations battle. Luckily, Parma residents have logic on their side.
The power line would cut through the site of a proposed 800-acre subdivision that would feature large lots, equestrian areas and riverside home sites. The line would also intersect the flight path for the city airport and border waterfowl habitat at the state's Fort Boise Wildlife Management Area. Standing at 1,200- to 1,500-foot intervals, the line's 190-foot-tall towers would dwarf the city's 101-foot-tall water tower.
Watson wonders how Idaho Power could plan a route near Parma. "How do you forget a city?" she asked recently.
Idaho Power probably won't forget Watson any time soon. "We could have been more diligent," said Douglas Dockter, an engineering leader for the utility.
The power line siting issue doesn't just involve Parma. Idaho Power is looking to build a 300-mile transmission line linking a substation in Boardman, Ore., to the Hemingway substation near Murphy. Eventually, the utility plans to add another 1,150 miles of line from Hemingway to a Wyoming substation.
These projects are needed to ship power not just within Idaho Power's service area, but throughout the region. For instance, the larger, 500,000-volt lines would more easily bring in electricity during the summer, when power demand peaks.
The Parma debate is a cautionary tale for the Northwest, a region that will need more transmission lines to meet future power demand. If this flap illustrates anything, it shows the complexity of devising a route.
Watson criticizes Idaho Power for developing a route that would largely traverse private lands. Idaho Power says it wouldn't be feasible or cost-effective to build solely on public lands, while skirting around the Oregon Trail, sage grouse nesting sites and big game wintering and calving areas.
And Idaho Power cannot rule out building within Parma's "area of impact," lands that could someday be developed and annexed into the city. Idaho Power tries to avoid putting lines in impact areas, Dockter said, but the utility also must make sure that a detour around Parma doesn't create other problems elsewhere on the route.
Idaho Power will work on Boardman-to-Hemingway power line permits until December 2011. The utility got an early head's up about Parma, Dockter said, and that shows the process works.
The process will really work if Idaho Power bypasses Parma.
"Our View" is the editorial position of the Idaho Statesman. It is an unsigned opinion expressing the consensus of the Statesman's editorial board. To comment on an editorial or suggest a topic, e-mail editorial@idahostatesman.com.
dairywife wrote on February, 27 9:24 AM:
"An equestrian subdivision and a 500,000 volt power line just don't mix."
Neither would our 320-acre Ontario dairy farm be able to function if bisected by 12 story, 40x40 towers and the high-voltage lines running between them.
Oregon's Department of Energy has already issued a preliminary opinion directing Idaho Power to move its lines off of exclusive farm use ground in Malheur County. So far Idaho Power continues to maintain this preferred route over private property in eastern Oregon in spite of the high probability that it will be compelled to move it.
We are hoping reason will prevail in eastern Oregon as it seems to finally be doing in Idaho.
Good for Parma, and good for Owyhee County, which was able to convince Idaho Power to move its proposed route off of private and onto public property near the PP&L line.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Idaho Voices
http://voices.idahostatesman.com/2009/02/26/krichert/parmas_mayor_state_needs_step_power_line_siting_issues
Parma's mayor: State needs to step up on power line siting issues
Submitted by Editorial Writer Kevin Richert on Thu, 02/26/2009 - 2:59pm.
Margie Watson is a special education teacher by trade and a part-time elected official, making $700 a month as Parma's mayor.
She says she learned — by accident and six days before Christmas — of Idaho Power's plans to build 190-foot-tall transmission towers and run 500,000-volt power lines just north of Parma.
And she is one local official who thinks state government should do more to track proposed sites of power lines and power plants.
Watson has spearheaded Parma's grassroots fight against Idaho Power, scolding the utility for choosing a transmission line route without consulting with city officials.
The 300-mile power line would link substations in Murphy and Boardman, Ore. In neighboring Oregon, Watson notes, the state's Department of Energy has actively looked out for the interests of farmers and other private landowners.
In a Jan. 26 letter, Adam Bless of the Oregon Department of Energy urges Idaho Power to look for alternate routes that would reduce the impact on private lands, even if this will "take more effort and take more time" and delay the application process.
Watson has a point. Transmission lines are regional projects, and it's inexcusable that Idaho doesn't have a siting agency looking out for Idaho's interests. Lawmakers have copped out, using a flimsy local-control argument. They say local elected officials should make these decisions.
Local officials such as — you guessed it — Margie Watson.
Parma's mayor: State needs to step up on power line siting issues
Submitted by Editorial Writer Kevin Richert on Thu, 02/26/2009 - 2:59pm.
Margie Watson is a special education teacher by trade and a part-time elected official, making $700 a month as Parma's mayor.
She says she learned — by accident and six days before Christmas — of Idaho Power's plans to build 190-foot-tall transmission towers and run 500,000-volt power lines just north of Parma.
And she is one local official who thinks state government should do more to track proposed sites of power lines and power plants.
Watson has spearheaded Parma's grassroots fight against Idaho Power, scolding the utility for choosing a transmission line route without consulting with city officials.
The 300-mile power line would link substations in Murphy and Boardman, Ore. In neighboring Oregon, Watson notes, the state's Department of Energy has actively looked out for the interests of farmers and other private landowners.
In a Jan. 26 letter, Adam Bless of the Oregon Department of Energy urges Idaho Power to look for alternate routes that would reduce the impact on private lands, even if this will "take more effort and take more time" and delay the application process.
Watson has a point. Transmission lines are regional projects, and it's inexcusable that Idaho doesn't have a siting agency looking out for Idaho's interests. Lawmakers have copped out, using a flimsy local-control argument. They say local elected officials should make these decisions.
Local officials such as — you guessed it — Margie Watson.
Baker and Owyhee County Meetings
Baker County will be holding its March 3rd meeting Tuesday 6:30 p.m. at the Extension Building. Download a printable pdf flyer HERE.
Owyhee County Planning and Zoning will hold two meetings to inform and interact with the public concerning the Boardman to Hemingway, Bowman and Gateway West transmission lines and their proposed routes through Owyhee County. The first meeting was held in Marsing on Feb. 24, at the Marsing Legion Hall and Community Center.
A second meeting will be held in the south county, at the Rimrock Auditorium in Grand View Thursday, Feb. 26, again at 6:30 p.m. The meetings are open to all Owyhee County property owners and citizens.
Idaho Power representatives will present details of the project “including, but not limited to, timeline, scope of work, route designations and the NEPA process,” according to a release from Planning and Zoning. Those needing additional information can call Planning and Zoning at 495-2095.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
"We Are Rethinking"
An interesting article from the Idaho Statesman:
Is Idaho Power ready to adopt renewable energy? Idaho Power thrived when low cost was king and coal and hydropower kept prices down. But climate change and the push for greener power have changed the game.
BY ROCKY BARKER - rbarker@idahostatesman.com Edition Date: 02/15/09
http://www.idahostatesman.com/273/story/668884.html
Idaho Power was once so powerful that the joke was the state itself was named after the company.
For decades it could dictate its own terms of doing business - and in the era of hydro and coal, Idaho Power's low energy prices made sure no one minded.
Until as recently as 2007, Idaho Power was confident it could meet its growing demand by expanding coal facilities in Wyoming. But the threat of climate change, rising metal prices and efforts to reduce greenhouse gases all but dried up the capital markets used to build new coal plants.
Almost overnight, the company that provides electricity to more than 500,000 homeowners, businesses and farmers across southern Idaho and eastern Oregon has had to adjust to a world where fossil fuel-based electricity will no longer be cheap and federal government policy increasingly favors renewable energy sources like wind, geothermal and solar.
The company's customers, regulators and Idaho's political establishment haven't changed their expectations of cheap power. But Idaho Power has to change - or risk being left behind.
"Important energy and environmental policy reforms are affecting just about every aspect of our business model," said LaMont Keen, Idaho Power's CEO and president. . .
The 93-year-old company now is trying to build new transmission lines, a new natural gas plant and more renewable energy - all while trying to get its customers to reduce how much power they use. . .
Even proposed transmission lines - required to tap into low-cost renewable energy available in the Pacific Northwest - are being opposed by landowners in Oregon and western Idaho. . .
Last month, the Idaho Public Utilities Commission allowed Idaho Power to hold on to renewable energy credits - so-called "green tags" - that it could sell to other utilities.
Idaho Power's industrial customers wanted the utility to sell the credits and use the money to reduce its rates, but the company wanted to keep them in case Congress, to reduce greenhouse gases, passed a "cap and trade program" that would restrict future power development and make these tags even more valuable. . .
NO CHOICE BUT NATURAL GAS
Idaho Power still needs what is called baseload generation - power that is available all the time, said Jim Miller, Idaho Power's senior vice president for power supply.
The company is expected to announce plans soon to either build a natural gas generation plant or buy power from another company. . .
And because the utility is so powerful here, Idaho Power's past attitude toward renewables largely became the state of Idaho's position.
For instance, surrounding states all have "Renewable Portfolio Standards" that require their utilities to have a set percentage of renewable electricity.
These standards are encouraging renewable industries in these states, and they also require utilities to develop renewables no matter the cost to ratepayers.
Idaho Power successfully killed attempts several years ago to pass similar standards in Idaho, and there is no serious effort in the Legislature to push them now.
Idaho still offers far fewer incentives for developers and individuals to build or install renewable electric systems than surrounding states.
But the company is changing.
"Traditionally, it's always been their way or the highway," said Pat Sullivan, a lobbyist who was a U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee staffer under former Idaho Sen. James McClure. "But today you have a new breed, more willing to work things out."
Sullivan says it appears from the outside like there's an internal culture war within Idaho Power's walls. Some inside the company are sending lawmakers mixed signals, he said.
"The energy picture in the Northwest and the U.S. is changing, and they're going to have to change, too," Sullivan said.
(Paul) Kjellander (director of Gov. Butch Otter's Office of Energy Resources), said Keen, a 34-year veteran of Idaho Power who became CEO in 2006, is largely responsible for turning the company around.
"What we saw was a sea change," Kjellander said. "There was much more openness in terms of dialogue than there was before."
IDACORP CHIEF'S VIEWS ON CLIMATE CHANGE, ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
IdaCorp CEO LaMont Keen talked about climate change and other issues with the Statesman's Rocky Barker. . .
Q: Do you think there might be ways to reduce the conflict over transmission?
A: In the long run it is a positive thing, and I think most people agree theoretically with that. The dilemma comes when practically the line is running someplace near you or where you can see it. Then it becomes more than something in the abstract, it becomes a reality about how it's going to impact a given person. And here in the West, it's sparsely settled, but the lines are longer. I think we would be a little remiss if we didn't anticipate some resistance. Are there ways we can maybe do things better and interact sooner with communities? Probably so, and we are certainly going to make a renewed effort to that. With regard to transmission in a number of areas, we were able to get out in front of it and react with business leaders. We missed a couple of bases in western Idaho and eastern Oregon right now, so we are rethinking how we do that. And there may be ways, alternative ways, to get the line built. At the end of the day, it shows it's not going to be easy to get 300 miles of line built.
Once again, we want to make clear to the Idaho Statesman that residents of Western Idaho and Eastern Oregon do not oppose transmission lines, but only the placement of them through private rather than public lands. We have proposed alternatives that meet Idaho Power's stated objectives and we hope that LaMont Keen's dedication to "alternate ways to get the line built" will be acceptable to the greatest number of people possible
Is Idaho Power ready to adopt renewable energy? Idaho Power thrived when low cost was king and coal and hydropower kept prices down. But climate change and the push for greener power have changed the game.
BY ROCKY BARKER - rbarker@idahostatesman.com Edition Date: 02/15/09
http://www.idahostatesman.com/273/story/668884.html
Idaho Power was once so powerful that the joke was the state itself was named after the company.
For decades it could dictate its own terms of doing business - and in the era of hydro and coal, Idaho Power's low energy prices made sure no one minded.
Until as recently as 2007, Idaho Power was confident it could meet its growing demand by expanding coal facilities in Wyoming. But the threat of climate change, rising metal prices and efforts to reduce greenhouse gases all but dried up the capital markets used to build new coal plants.
Almost overnight, the company that provides electricity to more than 500,000 homeowners, businesses and farmers across southern Idaho and eastern Oregon has had to adjust to a world where fossil fuel-based electricity will no longer be cheap and federal government policy increasingly favors renewable energy sources like wind, geothermal and solar.
The company's customers, regulators and Idaho's political establishment haven't changed their expectations of cheap power. But Idaho Power has to change - or risk being left behind.
"Important energy and environmental policy reforms are affecting just about every aspect of our business model," said LaMont Keen, Idaho Power's CEO and president. . .
The 93-year-old company now is trying to build new transmission lines, a new natural gas plant and more renewable energy - all while trying to get its customers to reduce how much power they use. . .
Even proposed transmission lines - required to tap into low-cost renewable energy available in the Pacific Northwest - are being opposed by landowners in Oregon and western Idaho. . .
Last month, the Idaho Public Utilities Commission allowed Idaho Power to hold on to renewable energy credits - so-called "green tags" - that it could sell to other utilities.
Idaho Power's industrial customers wanted the utility to sell the credits and use the money to reduce its rates, but the company wanted to keep them in case Congress, to reduce greenhouse gases, passed a "cap and trade program" that would restrict future power development and make these tags even more valuable. . .
NO CHOICE BUT NATURAL GAS
Idaho Power still needs what is called baseload generation - power that is available all the time, said Jim Miller, Idaho Power's senior vice president for power supply.
The company is expected to announce plans soon to either build a natural gas generation plant or buy power from another company. . .
And because the utility is so powerful here, Idaho Power's past attitude toward renewables largely became the state of Idaho's position.
For instance, surrounding states all have "Renewable Portfolio Standards" that require their utilities to have a set percentage of renewable electricity.
These standards are encouraging renewable industries in these states, and they also require utilities to develop renewables no matter the cost to ratepayers.
Idaho Power successfully killed attempts several years ago to pass similar standards in Idaho, and there is no serious effort in the Legislature to push them now.
Idaho still offers far fewer incentives for developers and individuals to build or install renewable electric systems than surrounding states.
But the company is changing.
"Traditionally, it's always been their way or the highway," said Pat Sullivan, a lobbyist who was a U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee staffer under former Idaho Sen. James McClure. "But today you have a new breed, more willing to work things out."
Sullivan says it appears from the outside like there's an internal culture war within Idaho Power's walls. Some inside the company are sending lawmakers mixed signals, he said.
"The energy picture in the Northwest and the U.S. is changing, and they're going to have to change, too," Sullivan said.
(Paul) Kjellander (director of Gov. Butch Otter's Office of Energy Resources), said Keen, a 34-year veteran of Idaho Power who became CEO in 2006, is largely responsible for turning the company around.
"What we saw was a sea change," Kjellander said. "There was much more openness in terms of dialogue than there was before."
IDACORP CHIEF'S VIEWS ON CLIMATE CHANGE, ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
IdaCorp CEO LaMont Keen talked about climate change and other issues with the Statesman's Rocky Barker. . .
Q: Do you think there might be ways to reduce the conflict over transmission?
A: In the long run it is a positive thing, and I think most people agree theoretically with that. The dilemma comes when practically the line is running someplace near you or where you can see it. Then it becomes more than something in the abstract, it becomes a reality about how it's going to impact a given person. And here in the West, it's sparsely settled, but the lines are longer. I think we would be a little remiss if we didn't anticipate some resistance. Are there ways we can maybe do things better and interact sooner with communities? Probably so, and we are certainly going to make a renewed effort to that. With regard to transmission in a number of areas, we were able to get out in front of it and react with business leaders. We missed a couple of bases in western Idaho and eastern Oregon right now, so we are rethinking how we do that. And there may be ways, alternative ways, to get the line built. At the end of the day, it shows it's not going to be easy to get 300 miles of line built.
Once again, we want to make clear to the Idaho Statesman that residents of Western Idaho and Eastern Oregon do not oppose transmission lines, but only the placement of them through private rather than public lands. We have proposed alternatives that meet Idaho Power's stated objectives and we hope that LaMont Keen's dedication to "alternate ways to get the line built" will be acceptable to the greatest number of people possible
SIP Alternative 4 Corridor
Alternate #4 which takes the Malheur County corridor and instead routes it as an overlap to IPCo's proposed Emmett to Hemingway leg of the Treasure Valley Electrical Plan.
It is apparent that SIP's attempts to offer alternatives and otherwise engage Idaho Power in implementing a transmission route agreeable to IPCo, residents of Malheur County, Oregon regulatory agencies and environmental groups have come to an impasse.
IPCo has made clear its adherence to a route which includes a natural gas-fired, combined-cycle combustion turbine substation in Sand Hollow. Excess energy generated from this substation will most likely be sold along the B2H line. The route intends to go over less-populated areas of Malheur County even though this adds to the length of the line.
SIP has therefore proposed a new Alternate #4 which takes the Malheur County corridor and instead routes it as an overlap to IPCo's proposed Emmett to Hemingway leg of the Treasure Valley Electrical Plan.
From Roger Findley's letter to Adam Bless of the Oregon Department of Energy:
Hemingway Substation would still be built but would connect to Sand Hollow Substation from the east rather than from the west. While additional miles would be added at present to the B2H project, IPCo would meet their ultimate goal of providing a 500 kV line around eastern Treasure Valley over the most sparsely populated areas.
The following benefits would be realized with the eastern loop as proposed in SIP’s Alternative 4:
1) It would meet SIP’s goal of keeping the transmission line off EFU land in Malheur County.
2) It would meet IPCo’s goal of having a substation at Sand Hollow.
3) It would meet IPCo’s goal outlined in the TVEP of having a 500 kV loop around most of the greater Treasure Valley area, including passing over the future building sites of the Pearl Substation and South Ada Source Substation and several other substations shown but not named on the TVEP. Virtually the entire 500 kV infrastructure needed for full build-out of the TVEP would be met.
4) It would meet IPCo’s goal of impacting the least number of people, with the hills east of Boise, south of Emmett, and northeast of Payette sparsely inhabited and not farmed.
5) It would build the first 42 miles of IPCo’s Gateway Project expected to begin in 2012, resulting in a net increase in length of only 18 miles to the 500 kV transmission line projects in the western Treasure Valley.
We sincerely hope IPCo will consider this alternative, since it would meet all their planned goals and allow the impasse with residents of Malheur County to come to a cordial end.
You can download a copy of Alternative #4 HERE and Roger Findley's letter to Adam Bless HERE.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Idaho Power's Alternate Routes
Idaho Power's new alternatives. Click for a larger map. You may want to let your neighbors know they may now be under a proposed transmission route. On Tuesday, Feb. 17th, Idaho Power representatives Mike Barrie and Mike Ybarguen presented new alternative route maps at the Parma Lions' Club. IPCo wants to move its Sand Hollow substation a few miles to the west (off of public and onto private land), but otherwise maintains its preferred route over private property in Idaho and Oregon, and EFU farmland in Malheur County in particular.
On the map is this disclaimer:
Idaho Power has evaluated comments received during and since the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) scoping phase and has developed an array of potential corridor options. These potential corridor options reflect what Idaho Power understands the public, other stakeholders and the BLM and ODOE would like to see considered.
These potential corridor options are not necessarily the final set of alternatives that will be selected by BLM for evaluation in the environmental impact statement or to be contained in Idaho Power's Application for Site Certificate to the ODOE.
The wall map pdf can be downloaded HERE. Remember if you print this it may be larger than 8x10. For a smaller map, you can download the jpg image above, or HERE.
We are pleased to see Idaho Power mapping alternate routes that could ultimately be acceptable to the BLM as well as the Oregon Department of Energy and Energy Facility Siting Council, the Oregon agencies that will be ruling on Idaho Power's compliance with Oregon land use law and energy siting standards, since traversing EFU land in Oregon is not allowed when other lands are available.
We regret that Idaho Power has abandoned SIP's Alternative 2 which avoids private land in Oregon and Idaho.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Alternative 2 abandoned
Idaho Power Company has told Idaho residents at a Parma meeting that Stop Idaho Power has abandoned SIP's Alternative #2.
SIP continues to prefer Alternative #2 or the new Alternative #4 (more information coming)
We request that SIP labels be removed from all maps which show Alternative #2 going over EFU LAND in Malheur County.
SIP continues to prefer Alternative #2 or the new Alternative #4 (more information coming)
We request that SIP labels be removed from all maps which show Alternative #2 going over EFU LAND in Malheur County.
IPCo tour followup
Below is a follow-up email dated February 13 to Marsha Leese, Idaho Power employee, the day after the tour through Malheur County with IPCo officials, members of the SIP Board of Directors, and county officials.
Good morning, Marsha -
Thank you once again for the significant commitment in time and expense you and others from Idaho Power made in order to tour with us here in Malheur County yesterday. We were pleased to be able to show you the agricultural heart and basis of this country and explain a number of issues the B2H transmission line presents for us.
We would like to request that on the maps Mike Berry showed us at the end of the day no alternative which involves Exclusive Farm Use-zoned (EFU) land in Malheur County be labeled as a Stop Idaho Power (SIP) alternative of any kind. We are glad you are trying to find alternatives that might be satisfactory to our county; however, we remain committed to the goal that no EFU land in Malheur County be used for the B2H transmission line. Our Alternative 2 could have a number of modifications, all of which would be predominantly on federal land to the west of Adrian and Vale and none of which appeared to be on your maps as viable alternatives. Our Alternative 2 goes to Grassy Mountain and turns north toward Huntington Junction; at no point does it turn back to the east and go into Idaho to access the Sand Hollow substation. Please remove the SIP Alternative label from any alternatives on any maps released to the public or as part of the planning process which shows the line going back to the east and on EFU land.
The Idaho Press-Tribune last week (February 6) indicates that Eric Hackett refers to the project Web site which states that "federal lands are not expected to meet the overall goals or project purpose and need." Based on the maps shown to us last night, you appear to remain committed to not using federal lands primarily for this project. We understand your goals for this line to be the shortest route over the fewest number of people while accessing a distribution substation between Sand Hollow and the Snake River in Idaho.
We look forward to additional dialogue with Idaho Power as this project progresses.
Regards, Roger
Good morning, Marsha -
Thank you once again for the significant commitment in time and expense you and others from Idaho Power made in order to tour with us here in Malheur County yesterday. We were pleased to be able to show you the agricultural heart and basis of this country and explain a number of issues the B2H transmission line presents for us.
We would like to request that on the maps Mike Berry showed us at the end of the day no alternative which involves Exclusive Farm Use-zoned (EFU) land in Malheur County be labeled as a Stop Idaho Power (SIP) alternative of any kind. We are glad you are trying to find alternatives that might be satisfactory to our county; however, we remain committed to the goal that no EFU land in Malheur County be used for the B2H transmission line. Our Alternative 2 could have a number of modifications, all of which would be predominantly on federal land to the west of Adrian and Vale and none of which appeared to be on your maps as viable alternatives. Our Alternative 2 goes to Grassy Mountain and turns north toward Huntington Junction; at no point does it turn back to the east and go into Idaho to access the Sand Hollow substation. Please remove the SIP Alternative label from any alternatives on any maps released to the public or as part of the planning process which shows the line going back to the east and on EFU land.
The Idaho Press-Tribune last week (February 6) indicates that Eric Hackett refers to the project Web site which states that "federal lands are not expected to meet the overall goals or project purpose and need." Based on the maps shown to us last night, you appear to remain committed to not using federal lands primarily for this project. We understand your goals for this line to be the shortest route over the fewest number of people while accessing a distribution substation between Sand Hollow and the Snake River in Idaho.
We look forward to additional dialogue with Idaho Power as this project progresses.
Regards, Roger
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Stop Idaho Power Tours EFU Land with Idaho Power Personnel
Thursday, February 12, under the capable leadership of Dennis Hall and Bruce Corn, representatives from Stop Idaho Power (SIP) and seven representatives from Idaho Power Company (IPC) toured exclusive farm use-zoned (EFU) land in Malheur County which potentially could be affected by the 500 kV transmission line from Boardman to Hemingway.
In spite of a foggy, drizzly day, numerous discussions took place at key stops along the way from Select Onion processing plant on Oregon Slope to alfalfa seed production near Adrian. SIP representatives for the full day included Rod and Larry Price, Bruce Penn, Eric White, and Bruce Corn. Roger and Jean Findley and Oliver Larson joined the tour for a portion of the time.
Several county personnel, including planners Jon Beal and Bill Lawrence, as well as Commissioner Jim Nakano, participated. Malheur County Judge Dan Joyce, Owyhee Irrigation District head Jay Chamberlin, and Reid Saito from Oregon Onion Growers joined us for lunch, and each made a presentation to the entire group, along with county planner Jon Beal. Dennis Hall, friend and neighbor and retired Idaho Power employee, helped coordinate the day of cordial dialogue.
At the end of the day, it was apparent that SIP’s goal of keeping the line off EFU zoned-land in Malheur County will not be compromised, and IPC is determined to retain the Sand Hollow Substation as an integral part of this project. Because Sand Hollow Substation is proposed somewhere in Idaho between the Sand Hollow exit on Interstate-84 and the Snake River, running the line through EFU land in Malheur County would be the shortest.easiest way to Boardman for IPC, and EFU land in Malheur County is where they intend to run this line. In other words, there is a complete and total impasse regarding location of the line.
Nevertheless, SIP was pleased to have the opportunity to both discuss with and show IPC personnel many of our concerns regarding running this line on EFU land in Malheur County, and we know that they are interested in using these lands because they are in part the shorter route and are sparsely populated. This is due to our land use zoning laws which we as residents have been living with for the past 30 years.
We are not sure how dialogue can proceed at this point, but we remain committed to helping Idaho Power find alternate routes to using EFU land in Malheur County. We are pleased they were willing to come this way to see and discuss the issues this line presents to our small but precious and valuable agricultural land in this impoverished county.
--Jean Findley
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Comments to the Argus
Larry Meyer of the Argus Observer's latest online post, "Power line proposal still in preliminary stage," has a section for comments.
Read the article and make comments at the bottom. We want to reach everyone in Malheur County, if possible.
http://www.argusobserver.com/articles/2009/02/15/news/doc4997c4f523822501748290.txt#blogcomments
(if this article has been moved, you can look for the link on the Argus front page in the lower left hand corner for blogs.)
Some quotes from the article:
“Once the project was chosen by the company, we started by getting our staff talking with officials,” Doug Dockter, project leader for K-V lines, said, explaining Idaho Power’s process.
Idaho Power staff began by listing constraints to the project, such as sage grouse, the Oregon Trail and other historical sites and areas of environmental concern. Idaho Power staff also contacted county planning and zoning offices to see where building was taking place, where subdivisions were going in and whether the proposed line would be too close to existing electrical facilities, creating a potential liability issue.
The company also looked at opportunities to locate the lines on existing utility corridors or transportation corridors, Dockter said.
Once the data was collected and entered, a “routing tool” on a computer program was used to draw the lines between the proposed substation points and provided the proposed route and alternatives, Dockter said.
Idaho Power followed up with a ground survey to determine if the line could be built on the drawn route. So, Dockter said, the process to choose the route is still a work in progress and adjustments can be made as more information is obtained.
It appears in all this process, that human beings owning property and trying to earn a living are not the constraints that sage grouse have been. IPCo's "alternatives" appear limited to moving the line a half mile here or there, over a neighbor's property, as Malheur County residents and Parma's mayor have found to their chagrin.
Read the article and make comments at the bottom. We want to reach everyone in Malheur County, if possible.
http://www.argusobserver.com/articles/2009/02/15/news/doc4997c4f523822501748290.txt#blogcomments
(if this article has been moved, you can look for the link on the Argus front page in the lower left hand corner for blogs.)
Some quotes from the article:
“Once the project was chosen by the company, we started by getting our staff talking with officials,” Doug Dockter, project leader for K-V lines, said, explaining Idaho Power’s process.
Idaho Power staff began by listing constraints to the project, such as sage grouse, the Oregon Trail and other historical sites and areas of environmental concern. Idaho Power staff also contacted county planning and zoning offices to see where building was taking place, where subdivisions were going in and whether the proposed line would be too close to existing electrical facilities, creating a potential liability issue.
The company also looked at opportunities to locate the lines on existing utility corridors or transportation corridors, Dockter said.
Once the data was collected and entered, a “routing tool” on a computer program was used to draw the lines between the proposed substation points and provided the proposed route and alternatives, Dockter said.
Idaho Power followed up with a ground survey to determine if the line could be built on the drawn route. So, Dockter said, the process to choose the route is still a work in progress and adjustments can be made as more information is obtained.
It appears in all this process, that human beings owning property and trying to earn a living are not the constraints that sage grouse have been. IPCo's "alternatives" appear limited to moving the line a half mile here or there, over a neighbor's property, as Malheur County residents and Parma's mayor have found to their chagrin.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Idaho Statesman article
The Idaho Statesman weighs in:
"Parma protests may prompt change in Idaho Power plans - The city's mayor doesn't want transmission lines to go through private land." (also read the comments at the end of the article) http://www.idahostatesman.com/newsupdates/story/666959.html
From the article:
Parma Mayor Margie Watson, who said she learned about the proposed 500,000 volt Boardman to Hemingway Transmission Line by accident in December, was surprised again Wednesday night when an Idaho Power representative presented a new map at a Canyon County byway meeting. The map, dated Feb. 11, shows the originally proposed route north of Parma as one of three alternatives. Idaho Power representative Mike Churella said the alternatives were developed in response to Parma's concerns.
That riled Watson, who said she hadn't been notified of the changes, and that she "didn't ask for any of those alternatives." She said it bothers her that one option, which bypasses Parma, passes through the edge of Greenleaf's impact area. Watson wants the proposed powerline - now routed more than 80 percent through private property - to go through public land.
. . . But nothing has been finalized, Churella stressed. Public input will help determine the final route, he said.
Such chutzpah coming from Idaho Power officials is something those of us in Malheur County have come to expect. We've made public input after public input and, as Mayor Watson has discovered, find that Idaho Power's so-called alternatives "developed in response" to the public's concerns still manage to go through mostly private property.
There will be more posts about IPCo's so-called alternative routes. Don't confuse these with SIP's alternative routes. Stay tuned.
(Sorry I've been absent lately, I've been taking a long-planned road trip with my husband to visit my six sisters and my mom in California and Utah.)
"Parma protests may prompt change in Idaho Power plans - The city's mayor doesn't want transmission lines to go through private land." (also read the comments at the end of the article) http://www.idahostatesman.com/newsupdates/story/666959.html
From the article:
Parma Mayor Margie Watson, who said she learned about the proposed 500,000 volt Boardman to Hemingway Transmission Line by accident in December, was surprised again Wednesday night when an Idaho Power representative presented a new map at a Canyon County byway meeting. The map, dated Feb. 11, shows the originally proposed route north of Parma as one of three alternatives. Idaho Power representative Mike Churella said the alternatives were developed in response to Parma's concerns.
That riled Watson, who said she hadn't been notified of the changes, and that she "didn't ask for any of those alternatives." She said it bothers her that one option, which bypasses Parma, passes through the edge of Greenleaf's impact area. Watson wants the proposed powerline - now routed more than 80 percent through private property - to go through public land.
. . . But nothing has been finalized, Churella stressed. Public input will help determine the final route, he said.
Such chutzpah coming from Idaho Power officials is something those of us in Malheur County have come to expect. We've made public input after public input and, as Mayor Watson has discovered, find that Idaho Power's so-called alternatives "developed in response" to the public's concerns still manage to go through mostly private property.
There will be more posts about IPCo's so-called alternative routes. Don't confuse these with SIP's alternative routes. Stay tuned.
(Sorry I've been absent lately, I've been taking a long-planned road trip with my husband to visit my six sisters and my mom in California and Utah.)
Saturday, February 14, 2009
NO AUTHORIZED ENTRY
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES should Idaho Power or any of their representatives be let on anyone's property for any purpose related to the B2H line and routinely only for meter reading and repairs. Make sure everyone knows that there is no legal reason to let anyone unauthorized on anyone's property. CALL THE SHERIFF IF YOU MUST. NO ENTRY for EASEMENTS or RIGHT OF WAYS!
Friday, February 13, 2009
More Signs Available; ENTRY DENIAL forms
We are sold out of the original 500 No Easement/No Entry signs, so we have ordered 300 more for $5.00 each. Please contact Evelyn Sayers at esayers2@netzero.net for more signs.
UPDATE We have Evelyn's ENTRY DENIAL forms available HERE or under the Document Links at right. These are response forms to IPCo's Certified Letter requests for right-of-ways or easements that do not include an option to DENY CONSENT.
UPDATE We have Evelyn's ENTRY DENIAL forms available HERE or under the Document Links at right. These are response forms to IPCo's Certified Letter requests for right-of-ways or easements that do not include an option to DENY CONSENT.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
FRCC Feb. 9th Meeting
Several hundred people attended our Monday night meeting, a number of them shell-shocked Idahoans who have just discovered Idaho Power plans to route 150-ft towers over their property. Everyone was brought up to date on the latest happenings, and on the Project Order issued by the ODOE.
Some important points from our meeting:
1) We need to write letters to Matt Muldoon of the OPUC asking him to schedule a meeting in Ontario. The OPUC issues the final permit to IPCo on the need for more energy capacity. His address:
Matthew J. Muldoon, Oregon PUC
550 Capitol St NE Suite 215
Salem, OR 97301-2551
Matt.Muldoon@state.or.us
http://www.puc.state.or.us/
2) Our Treasurer, Grant Kitamura, thanked the donation of time by Butler and Looney legal office, Nichols Accounting, and the Intermountain Community Bank for the free checking account. Donations are still being collected (checks made out to Stop Idaho Power)
Grant Kitamura
P.O. Box 9
Ontario, OR 97914
3) Idaho Power is planning "Stakeholder" meetings around the area for more public input. Be watching for notices and mailings and attend meetings in your area.
4) Jean Findley, a retired BLM range botanist, would be happy to set up and facilitate a meeting between IPCo and the BLM in determining a route that would be acceptable to a maximum number of communities, counties and agencies.
5) Jim Johnson of the Oregon Department of Agriculture, an agency with important input into the EFSC process, plans to visit in March. We had a signup sheet for people he can stop and visit.
6) Our next meeting will be Monday, March 9 probably in Nyssa or at the Boulevard Grange.
Some important points from our meeting:
1) We need to write letters to Matt Muldoon of the OPUC asking him to schedule a meeting in Ontario. The OPUC issues the final permit to IPCo on the need for more energy capacity. His address:
Matthew J. Muldoon, Oregon PUC
550 Capitol St NE Suite 215
Salem, OR 97301-2551
Matt.Muldoon@state.or.us
http://www.puc.state.or.us/
2) Our Treasurer, Grant Kitamura, thanked the donation of time by Butler and Looney legal office, Nichols Accounting, and the Intermountain Community Bank for the free checking account. Donations are still being collected (checks made out to Stop Idaho Power)
Grant Kitamura
P.O. Box 9
Ontario, OR 97914
3) Idaho Power is planning "Stakeholder" meetings around the area for more public input. Be watching for notices and mailings and attend meetings in your area.
4) Jean Findley, a retired BLM range botanist, would be happy to set up and facilitate a meeting between IPCo and the BLM in determining a route that would be acceptable to a maximum number of communities, counties and agencies.
5) Jim Johnson of the Oregon Department of Agriculture, an agency with important input into the EFSC process, plans to visit in March. We had a signup sheet for people he can stop and visit.
6) Our next meeting will be Monday, March 9 probably in Nyssa or at the Boulevard Grange.
ProtectParma.com
Parma has a website up, http://protectparma.com/ with information, maps and links.
Download Roger Findley's latest Powerpoint (8MB) HERE.
We also have the Idaho Power easement ENTRY DENIAL forms.
Take a look at the Idaho Press Tribune's Feb. 6th article on "Parma fights power line" http://www.idahopress.com/?id=19648. A few quotes:
The citizen group, called the Parma Impact Task Force, joins others in Idaho and Oregon opposed to the draft route of 300-mile, 500,000-volt line from Boardman, Ore., to the Hemingway substation near Melba.
Citizens met twice in January and launched a Web site, http://protectparma.com/, Thursday afternoon. The meetings drew more than 100 people, and so far residents have contributed more than $6,000 to the cause, organizer Pat Rohwer said.
She said that even though Idaho Power insists it will cooperate, the group intends to keep the pressure on to ensure the route changes.
. . . Some opposed to the line's proposed route argue it should be located on public rather than private land. "We're certainly looking at those alternatives," (IPCo's Eric) Hackett said.
Here's the most perplexing quote:
According to the project Web site (link below): "The purpose of the corridor identification and evaluation was not to maximize the amount of federal or private land that the corridor crosses; rather, it was to minimize potential impacts to a variety of resources, including private property owners. While there are an infinite number of corridors that could be developed to increase the corridor on federal lands, they are not expected to meet the overall goals or project purpose and need."
http://www.boardmantohemingway.com/faq.aspx
Download Roger Findley's latest Powerpoint (8MB) HERE.
We also have the Idaho Power easement ENTRY DENIAL forms.
Take a look at the Idaho Press Tribune's Feb. 6th article on "Parma fights power line" http://www.idahopress.com/?id=19648. A few quotes:
The citizen group, called the Parma Impact Task Force, joins others in Idaho and Oregon opposed to the draft route of 300-mile, 500,000-volt line from Boardman, Ore., to the Hemingway substation near Melba.
Citizens met twice in January and launched a Web site, http://protectparma.com/, Thursday afternoon. The meetings drew more than 100 people, and so far residents have contributed more than $6,000 to the cause, organizer Pat Rohwer said.
She said that even though Idaho Power insists it will cooperate, the group intends to keep the pressure on to ensure the route changes.
. . . Some opposed to the line's proposed route argue it should be located on public rather than private land. "We're certainly looking at those alternatives," (IPCo's Eric) Hackett said.
Here's the most perplexing quote:
According to the project Web site (link below): "The purpose of the corridor identification and evaluation was not to maximize the amount of federal or private land that the corridor crosses; rather, it was to minimize potential impacts to a variety of resources, including private property owners. While there are an infinite number of corridors that could be developed to increase the corridor on federal lands, they are not expected to meet the overall goals or project purpose and need."
http://www.boardmantohemingway.com/faq.aspx
Sunday, February 8, 2009
February 7th Payette Meeting
From Bruce Penn:
Clinton and I went to the NuAcres Grange Hall to meet with some 50 plus folks from the rural area of impact in Payette Co. Saturday evening. Betty Clarich of that immediate area had gone door to door and gathered these folks there. Most of them knew very little about IP's proposed line. They were there to get information about it and to organize themselves.
Betty had asked Parma's Impact Task Force to come and present their power point presentation, as well as the Payette rural fire department. If this line goes in and reduces property value the fire department stands to lose 25% of their budget and this rural area could find themselves without fire and ambulance. The effects of this power line continues to accumulate upon the citizens it impacts.
Clinton gave the SIP power point presentation, doing a great job by the way, which answered a lot of their questions. We invited them to our public meeting set for Monday (February 9th, 7:00 pm at the FRCC). They are organizing and seeing the need to write letters to their commissioners, state and public leaders. They were very thankful for us coming and sharing this vital information with them.
For SIP, Bruce P.
Clinton and I went to the NuAcres Grange Hall to meet with some 50 plus folks from the rural area of impact in Payette Co. Saturday evening. Betty Clarich of that immediate area had gone door to door and gathered these folks there. Most of them knew very little about IP's proposed line. They were there to get information about it and to organize themselves.
Betty had asked Parma's Impact Task Force to come and present their power point presentation, as well as the Payette rural fire department. If this line goes in and reduces property value the fire department stands to lose 25% of their budget and this rural area could find themselves without fire and ambulance. The effects of this power line continues to accumulate upon the citizens it impacts.
Clinton gave the SIP power point presentation, doing a great job by the way, which answered a lot of their questions. We invited them to our public meeting set for Monday (February 9th, 7:00 pm at the FRCC). They are organizing and seeing the need to write letters to their commissioners, state and public leaders. They were very thankful for us coming and sharing this vital information with them.
For SIP, Bruce P.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
SIP FRCC Meeting Monday Feb. 9th
Don't forget the next Stop Idaho Power meeting at the Four Rivers Cultural Center Monday, February 9th, at 7:00 p.m.
Agenda:
1) The Dalles EFSC meeting report by Bruce Corn
2) Baker City update and Idaho Power IRP Advisory by Roger Findley
3) Homedale, Payette and Parma updates by Bruce Penn
4) Evaluation of ODOE's Project Order by Patty Kennington
5) Strategy Plan for what happens next
See you there!
Agenda:
1) The Dalles EFSC meeting report by Bruce Corn
2) Baker City update and Idaho Power IRP Advisory by Roger Findley
3) Homedale, Payette and Parma updates by Bruce Penn
4) Evaluation of ODOE's Project Order by Patty Kennington
5) Strategy Plan for what happens next
See you there!
Friday, February 6, 2009
Payette County, Marsing and Grandview Meetings
From Betty Clarich in Payette County:
We are having our first meeting on Saturday at 6:30 and the Nu Acres Grange Hall.
Come learn more about what may be happening in Payette County!
Contact Betty at blucar@fmtc.com
From Michelle Redding in Homedale:
The dates for the Planning and Zoning/Idaho Power meetings are set now for Feb. 24th in Marsing @ 6:30 and Feb. 26th in Grandview @ 6:30. Confirmed both by Owyhee Avalanche and I called Planning and Zoning.
. . . have you been seeing the incredible job that the Owyhee Avalanche is doing in keeping this issue in the paper?
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Letters of Support
Clinton Kennington, representative from Eastern Oregon on the Board of the Oregon Dairy Farmers Association, made a presentation to the Eastern Oregon Dairy Farmers concerning the effect high voltage transmission lines would have on exclusive farm use property.
Residents are not always aware that it has been the intent of Idaho Power to route lines through a neighbor's EFU land if strong enough objections are made by someone down the road. So even if the proposed line doesn't cross your property, you still may end up with it. Devaluation of property and the farm economy will affect everyone.
It has been the determination of the Stop Idaho Power group that alternates through neighbors' property are no alternates at all. The best alternative is for public utilities to be routed through public lands. If you are a business, agency or organization, or belong to an organization that might be affected by the economic devaluation of our farm economy, please lend your support by writing a letter to the addresses below.
The Oregon Department of Agriculture, Oregon Dairy Farmers Association, Idaho and Eastern Oregon Onion Growers, the City of Vale, the City of Ontario, Malheur County Court and Planner, Owyhee Irrigation District, Farm Bureau and other interested organizations have written or plan to write letters of support for our effort. Addresses to send letters to:
Eric Hackett
Idaho Power Project Manager
P.O. Box 70
Boise, ID 83707
Adam Bless
Oregon Department of Energy
625 Marion St. NE
Salem, OR 97301
Lucas Lucero
BLM Federal Project Manager
4701 N. Torrey Pines Drive
Las Vegas, NV 89130
Matthew J. Muldoon
Oregon Public Utilities Commission
550 Capitol St NE Suite 215
Salem, OR 97301-2551
Please also send an email copy of your letter to
rogerfindley@q.com or pattykennington@gmail.com
Residents are not always aware that it has been the intent of Idaho Power to route lines through a neighbor's EFU land if strong enough objections are made by someone down the road. So even if the proposed line doesn't cross your property, you still may end up with it. Devaluation of property and the farm economy will affect everyone.
It has been the determination of the Stop Idaho Power group that alternates through neighbors' property are no alternates at all. The best alternative is for public utilities to be routed through public lands. If you are a business, agency or organization, or belong to an organization that might be affected by the economic devaluation of our farm economy, please lend your support by writing a letter to the addresses below.
The Oregon Department of Agriculture, Oregon Dairy Farmers Association, Idaho and Eastern Oregon Onion Growers, the City of Vale, the City of Ontario, Malheur County Court and Planner, Owyhee Irrigation District, Farm Bureau and other interested organizations have written or plan to write letters of support for our effort. Addresses to send letters to:
Eric Hackett
Idaho Power Project Manager
P.O. Box 70
Boise, ID 83707
Adam Bless
Oregon Department of Energy
625 Marion St. NE
Salem, OR 97301
Lucas Lucero
BLM Federal Project Manager
4701 N. Torrey Pines Drive
Las Vegas, NV 89130
Matthew J. Muldoon
Oregon Public Utilities Commission
550 Capitol St NE Suite 215
Salem, OR 97301-2551
Please also send an email copy of your letter to
rogerfindley@q.com or pattykennington@gmail.com
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
IPCo IRP Meeting
Roger Findley reports that eight members of SIP, along with Parma Mayor Margaret Watson and several action committee members from Owyhee and Payette, and a note-taking member of Oregon's PUC, attended Idaho Power's Integrated Resource Plan advisory meeting in Boise on Tuesday, February 3rd. Although the IRP isn't specifically about the proposed transmission lines, IPCo's promise to meet with us again has not been responded to for over two months so we hoped face-to-face time might remind them of their commitment.
During the public comment period after the day-long IRP session, Mayor Watson shared her straightforward sentiments with Idaho Power on their route through Parma's urban growth boundary. Following Watson was SIP's Roger Findley, who presented IPCo officials with an honorary No Entry sign, copies of petitions asking the Oregon PUC to hold its Hearing for Need in Malheur County, over 1000 signatures asking IPCo to reroute the line out of exclusive farm use land, and a summary speech of SIP's position and alternative routes. This was answered with the usual "we're working on it" remarks.
Following public comment, several members of IPCo's hand-picked advisory committee interacted with our action group members, expressing support and the hope that some IPCo higher-ups who at this point seem to be defensively foot-dragging, will eventually come to realize that their present route can be changed to the benefit of almost everyone, by following the recommendataions of Oregon Department of Energy's Project Order. The sooner this happens, the better for everyone.
Roger also talked to a member of an environmental group in attendance, inviting him to participate in the process of navigating a route through BLM land that would be to everyones' satisfaction. He responded positively and traded contact information.
In other news, the Onion Growers' Association, about 50%-50% Idahoans and Eastern Oregonians, was treated to a 5-minute speech on the 500kV subject by Rachel Corn of the FFA Tuesday at their meeting in the FRCC. This was followed by a Powerpoint presentation outlining the possible fallout on our agriculture-based way of life from this proposed line.
SIP is grateful for the growing support on the part of suppliers, agencies and organizations who are writing letters in behalf of preserving Malheur, Payette, Baker, Owyhee, and Canyon County farmland for farming and public land for public utilities.
During the public comment period after the day-long IRP session, Mayor Watson shared her straightforward sentiments with Idaho Power on their route through Parma's urban growth boundary. Following Watson was SIP's Roger Findley, who presented IPCo officials with an honorary No Entry sign, copies of petitions asking the Oregon PUC to hold its Hearing for Need in Malheur County, over 1000 signatures asking IPCo to reroute the line out of exclusive farm use land, and a summary speech of SIP's position and alternative routes. This was answered with the usual "we're working on it" remarks.
Following public comment, several members of IPCo's hand-picked advisory committee interacted with our action group members, expressing support and the hope that some IPCo higher-ups who at this point seem to be defensively foot-dragging, will eventually come to realize that their present route can be changed to the benefit of almost everyone, by following the recommendataions of Oregon Department of Energy's Project Order. The sooner this happens, the better for everyone.
Roger also talked to a member of an environmental group in attendance, inviting him to participate in the process of navigating a route through BLM land that would be to everyones' satisfaction. He responded positively and traded contact information.
In other news, the Onion Growers' Association, about 50%-50% Idahoans and Eastern Oregonians, was treated to a 5-minute speech on the 500kV subject by Rachel Corn of the FFA Tuesday at their meeting in the FRCC. This was followed by a Powerpoint presentation outlining the possible fallout on our agriculture-based way of life from this proposed line.
SIP is grateful for the growing support on the part of suppliers, agencies and organizations who are writing letters in behalf of preserving Malheur, Payette, Baker, Owyhee, and Canyon County farmland for farming and public land for public utilities.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Adam Bless's Tour of Malheur County
Adam Bless from the Oregon Department of Energy and writer of the B2H Project Order, along with an aide and several members of SIP, took a 6-hour, 100-mile-round trip tour from Select Onions on Stanton Boulevard through Ontario farmland, through Nyssa and Owyhee to south of Adrian along the PP&L line, speaking with residents along the way. For dinner they met with about 30 people at Fiesta Guadalajara, including Jon Beal and Jim Nakano of the county court. Following a Powerpoint presentation by Roger Findley, Adam Bless fielded questions for over an hour.
The Project Order is a document that takes Idaho Power's Notice of Intent and applies Oregon regulatory statutes and administrative rules to it, including the local land use comprehensive plan. The Project Order is NOT a Site Certificate to build a transmission line; it is a step on the way to guiding Idaho Power's route to be in compliance with Oregon's requirements. (See "EFSC Process Chart")
The Project Order also addresses substantive public comments that have been made through the BLM scoping (public feedback) process, including how these transmission lines would affect people personally. Bless said he will be taking "substantive" comments for some time yet.
Bless said that he would lobby the Energy Facility Siting Council, which makes the final decision to issue the Site Certificate, to visit here as well. "I think it would resonate better with them if they came in person to see the same tour I saw," he said.
Bless stressed that the ODOE does not choose what route Idaho Power must use. IPCo must come up with their own route, based on guidelines from the Project Order. The Application for a Site Certificate is then either approved or sent back with more recommendations under a Draft Proposed Order.
In the Project Order for B2H, Adam Bless directs Idaho Power to "strongly consider" alternatives suggested by SIP, including the Option 2 route which would relocate the Sand Hollow substation, or to route it through Idaho counties or the I-84 corridor.
After visiting with Rod Price of Adrian, Adam Bless said, "I learned more than I ever thought I would about the Leaf Cutter Bee. It was Leaf Cutter Bee 101. . . For me, this tour brought to life the written comments that I have received about irrigation lines, radio controlled and GPS equipment, and aerial spraying." He ended by saying, "Making the case that alternative routes are reasonable alternatives--that's probably the best thing you can do."
PleaseMove.org
The Parma Impact Task Force has put up a new website, http://www.pleasemove.org/ maintained by Pat and Gary Rohwer.
Along with a library of useful contact information, maps and websites, Please Move has links to all interested action groups, including Malheur County's Stop Idaho Power, Baker County's Move Idaho Power, and the formation of the Owyhee and Payette Counties' action groups.
Along with a library of useful contact information, maps and websites, Please Move has links to all interested action groups, including Malheur County's Stop Idaho Power, Baker County's Move Idaho Power, and the formation of the Owyhee and Payette Counties' action groups.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
BANANA
Editorial from Capital Press, "Eminent domain should be a last resort, not first choice":In the lexicon of land-use acronyms, nearly everyone has heard of NIMBY - Not In My Back Yard.
But in the case of some projects, another acronym comes to mind: BANANA. That's short for Build Absolutely Nothing Anywhere Near Animals.
Most recently, Idaho Power has proposed a new 300-mile electrical transmission line across Eastern Oregon. The route was chosen to avoid sage grouse breeding areas.The problem with that is the welfare of the farmers and ranchers who live and work there has taken a backseat to birds. Those farmers have questioned why the power company would want to go through the arduous process of eminent domain to build on private land when there is plenty of government-owned land nearby. . .
. . . The goal of improving the electrical grid is a good one. Added capacity and integration mean that farmers and ranchers who build wind farms and other means of electrical generation will have a way to market their electricity.
However, the use of eminent domain should be a last resort for such a project, not a first choice. . .
. . . the people of Eastern Oregon see a red flag in the route Idaho Power has chosen for its power line. It's also why many people in Oregon's Willamette Valley oppose a liquefied natural gas line through their farms, and it's why people in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and California agree that any use of eminent domain must be considered only after all other options have been tried.
Especially when government land is available, there appears to be little urgency to Idaho Power's plan to use so much private land for its transmission line. To its credit, Idaho Power has stated that the odds are "zero" that its initial route will ultimately be adopted. That demonstrates flexibility and a willingness to build the much-needed power line without unduly infringing on the rights of property owners, including the farmers and ranchers whose lives and livelihoods could be affected.
All sides of this issue recognize that other, better options exist. That in itself gives property owners hope.
http://capitalpress.info/main.asp?SectionID=75&SubSectionID=767&ArticleID=48314&TM=59636.79
AP's article "Southwest Idaho residents want to stop power line," appears in the Capital Press at http://capitalpress.info/main.asp?SectionID=94&subsectionID=801&articleID=48413
as well as The Olympian http://www.theolympian.com/northwest/story/742246.html , the Deseret News http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,705281199,00.html and the Idaho State Journal http://journalnet.com/articles/2009/02/01/news/breaking/15.txt . One reader's comment on the Journal story:
Phil Stott wrote on Feb 1, 2009 9:27 AM: "Here in the UK most new lines are underground, I know it may not be possible in some parts of the run but would preserve the natual beauty of the area where it could. I guess your just so used to hanging your power over your heads no one has considered burying under your feet. (No offence meant) Regards Phil. Manchester England"
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