ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, July 24, 1996 TAG: 9607240024
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-8 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: MARGARET A. ROSTON
IN RESPONSE to Charles A. Simmons (a consultant for American Electric Power) regarding the 765-kilovolt transmission line project (July 17 letter to the editor, ``This region needs the power line''): He represents the impractical quick fix to the East Coast's craving for more electricity.
I propose an alternative that the Forest Service would support, and one that would benefit everyone.
Much of the East Coast would pay the environmental price of the proposed power line. The greatest immediate burden by far would be felt by the unfortunate folks who have their property devalued by the mere threat of its existence in their yard, farm or view.
Our lifestyle has a correctable problem. I went to K-Mart recently where I tried on long-sleeved blouses and blue jeans. I was very comfortable even though it was 94 degrees outside. Why was I more comfortable in long pants and long-sleeved clothing than in my shorts and T-shirt? This is wrong!
Situations like this should be rectified before more major power lines are built. If they were, the Virginia State Corporation Commission wouldn't even give much consideration to such projects. Public facilities would be operated with more energy consciousness if tax incentives were instituted.
I not only challenge K-Mart, but I also challenge Wal-Mart's management, all the malls, businesses, public buildings and other controlled environments to acknowledge the need to conserve energy, and then act responsibly. The flood-lit parking lots at places like Virginia Tech and most shopping malls need only minimal security-lighting after hours.
Awhile back, I was in Virginia Beach - one location served by Virginia Power, which would like to purchase the power to be carried, through our region, over this proposed power line. I saw people wearing sunglasses as they looked in shop windows. It was 10:30 at night. Except for the streets and stores, it was dark! Why were lights allowed to be so glaringly bright that shoppers could see merchandise while wearing sunglasses? Also, doors to shops were open wide with the air-conditioned air billowing out into the humid heat. What a waste!
I would much rather retain our rural beauty (also watersheds and natural areas that clean the air we breathe) by minimizing the acid rain caused by power plants at the beginning of these proposed transmission-line projects. All the forests in the eastern third of the United States are severely affected by Western factories. Why encourage more power plants belching smoke?
Everyone's water supplies would be threatened by the inevitable spills of herbicides as the rights of way are maintained. Yes, even chemical use, which is touted as being ``minimal,'' can turn into disasters due to human error. Why risk it?
Obviously, the tourist and residential value of the scenery of all the areas traversed by the power line would be forever severely diminished by the series of Eiffel towers, some with flashing lights and heavy cables lacing their way over the pristine mountains and through the patchwork of family farms. Tourists coming for the fall color would be treated to the cuts through the forests, highlighted by light dustings of snow.
I believe those of us who speak for water, air and conservation do speak for all the people in southern West Virginia and Southwest Virginia. Electricity doesn't merely cost dollars. The issue requires the sense not to destroy what is more vital than electricity.
Margaret A. Roston of Roanoke is co-owner of a computer consultant business.
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