Green groups are suing the Department of Energy over its plans for electric transmission corridors in the U.S. Southwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. The groups say the DOE violated environmental laws by failing to take into account the potential impacts of the high-voltage transmission lines on air quality, wildlife, and habitat; the corridors encompass dozens of state and national parks, refuges, and recreation areas. In addition, say the groups, boosting the electric-transmission network is a not-so-subtle OK for the U.S. to continue largely sourcing its power from Big Coal. Christopher Miller of the Piedmont Environmental Council suggests, “Reducing both peak and base load demand through energy efficiency, conservation, and expanding demand response programs should be a priority.” Hear, hear.
