A Simple Message for Legislators on the Power Line Tax
March 17, 2009
I have been talking to legislators for the last two weeks. We need to keep our message very simple on the power line tax. Here is what I have found to be most effective:
- There is no need to pass a tax now. This is a very complicated issue in a very unstable state and federal environment. Let the PSC have its hearings on PATH this year and rule on the need for the line on its own merits.
- The tax idea was cooked up last year in back room deals between the governor and the power companies to help get the PSC to approve TrAIL and now PATH.We need lots more public discussion and open debate before the legisature acts.
- The tax will ultimately either be paid entirely by electric rate payers or will be invalidated in federal court. No money will be returned directly to ratepayers. All money distributed will either be controlled by Charleston or will stay in Charleston.
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