Senator Lisa Baker and Representative Jeff Olsommer said on March 30 that they have concerns about the proposed Shawnee-Walker auxiliary transmission lines in Pike County. The legislators issued a joint statement addressing what they described as a lack of transparency surrounding the project.
The issue is important to local residents, who may be affected by the route of the new transmission lines near homes, farms, and environmentally sensitive areas. Baker and Olsommer said community members should have a chance to ask questions and share their opinions before any decisions are made.
“Last week, we sent a letter to FirstEnergy Pennsylvania to express our concerns on the lack of transparency with the proposed Shawnee-Walker auxiliary line transmission project,” Baker and Olsommer said. “Our residents have legitimate concerns and deserve an opportunity to ask questions and have their voices heard.”
The lawmakers pointed out that placing new transmission infrastructure could affect property values, long-term land use, and potentially involve eminent domain. They emphasized that protecting private property rights is crucial when considering projects like this one.
“Maintaining private property rights is essential when discussing projects of this nature. We do not support the use of eminent domain to acquire property. We remain opposed to the project as it currently stands,” they said.
Baker and Olsommer called for FirstEnergy Pennsylvania to organize a public forum involving several regulatory agencies so that all stakeholders can participate in discussions about the project.
