May 27, 2008
Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island
SUMMERSIDE – Emily Duffy-Arsenault says it’s not enough to change the route of a proposed high-voltage transmission line from western P.E.I. to a substation in Sherbrooke.
“Our goal is legislation,” said the member of Islanders for the Safe Transmission of Power (ISTOP) in a telephone interview.
The Province has been reviewing a Maritime Electric proposal for a high-voltage transmission line, which will transport wind energy from the Suez Energy North America West Cape wind park and provide capacity for other wind energy projects.
ISTOP has been lobbying the government to legislate a buffer zone of 450 feet between transmission lines and homes and sensitive areas, such as the Confederation Trail.
Duffy-Arsenault said it’s not just a West Prince issue, noting the group has received calls from people across P.E.I. concerned about existing or potential high-voltage lines.
“I think that this is something that’s going to affect us all and is affecting us all.”
She noted plans to eventually extend the line to the Confederation Bridge in Borden-Carleton.
“Who’s in the line of fire next?” she asked.
Duffy-Arsenault said it’s up to government to ensure the safety of Islanders.
ISTOP plans to continue working towards legislation and informing people about the potential health effects of high-voltage transmission lines.
Lori A. Mayne
27 May 2008
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2008/05/27/istop-lobbies-for-legislation-on-transmission-lines/