Northern Pass Denied By State Site Evaluation Committee

 

CONCORD, NH -The Northern Pass Project has been denied by the State Site Evaluation Committee.

According to InDepthNH.org yesterday afternoon the committee voted unanimously to reject the 192-mile transmission line project. The seven member committee said that Eversource failed to meet its burden of proof that the project would not negatively impact the orderly development of the region.

Northern Pass representative Martin Murray said “We are shocked and outraged by today’s SEC outcome. The process failed to comply with New Hampshire law and did not reflect the substantial evidence on the record. As a result, the most viable near-term solution to the region’s energy challenges, as well as $3 billion of NH job, tax, and other benefits, are now in jeopardy.

Long-time opponent Susan Schibanoff of Easton told Indepth NH “The SEC did the right thing today by law and by the people of New Hampshire.”

New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu said in a statement that he was “stunned” by the committee’s decision. Adding that SEC’s decision denies the state much-needed clean energy and the jobs that would come from the project.

The company has 30 days after the committee issues a written decision to ask for a rehearing or to reconsider its vote. Thursday was the third of 12 deliberative sessions ending Feb. 23 when an oral decision is expected.

The $1.6 billion plan being developed by the utility Eversource was set to bring hydropower from Hydro-Quebec in Canada to Southern New England Markets by creating a transmission line through New Hampshire.