Minnick seeks better process for transmission lines

Parma, ID – In a letter to Department of Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, Walt Minnick asked that the federal government do more to collaborate with local and state governments on energy transmission lines.

The bipartisan letter, sent last month, was coordinated by Minnick, Rep. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming) and Rep. Rob Bishop (R-Utah.) It was signed by a total of 15 members of Congress, including Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson. (Click here to see the letter.)

“The west is the future of energy, with our ready access to clean renewables and untapped natural resources,” Rep. Minnick said. “To help the rest of America we need more transmission lines and a simpler process for those lines to utilize and pass through the federal lands which dominate the west.”

Minnick is today meeting with citizens and elected officials in several rural Idaho communities, including Parma, where debate over placement transmission lines put the issue at the forefront of public discussion. Tomorrow the Congressman will be in Kuna, where a similar debate is taking place. In both locations he will be learning more about the issue of transmission lines, and will seek input on ways that federal agencies can better work with local communities and utilities to find positive, collaborative solutions.

The March 30 letter to Salazar calls attention to the great potential for western states to be leaders in alternative energy production, but points out the great need for improved transmission lines before that potential can be realized.

“Successfully harnessing the full potential of our renewable resources will not happen overnight,” the letter states. “Interest and investment in new renewable projects will depend largely on the ability to deliver that energy to consumers. By working with states in a proactive manner, the federal government can prepare for future increased power transfer capability as new lines are being constructed.”