Northern Pass: What’s Up
When: 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 26
Where: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church – Lancaster
NORTHERN PASS: WHAT’S UP? Lancaster, NH –
On Monday, March 26th, Lancaster Democrats will host Attorney Bob Baker of Columbia, a leading opponent of the proposed Northern Pass project, to clarify the current status of Northern Pass.
This event will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 113 Main Street, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. In the past two months, several actions have occurred that may be confusing to some. On Feb. 1, the Site Evaluation Committee (SEC) voted 7-0 to deny a permit to Northern Pass after considering 2 of the 4 criteria that Northern Pass had to meet to receive a permit.
On Feb. 28, Northern Pass submitted a motion to the SEC asking that they vacate their denial and resume deliberations. This request included a proposal for new funding and 75 conditions for the SEC to consider. And on March 12, the SEC considered Northern Pass’ motion. They voted to suspend their oral denial of Northern Pass and to wait to consider Northern Pass’ motion and proposals until after the written decision is issued toward the end of March. What does all this mean? Attorney Baker will assist us in sorting through the twists and turns of these events.
Attorney Baker is a semi-retired trial lawyer who spent most of his legal career in Connecticut, but moved to his retirement home in Columbia “in large part because of the North Country environment—its beautiful rivers, forests and mountains and the virtual absence of industrial and urban sprawl.”
In October 2010, he was “horrified” to learn that Eversource (formerly PSNH and its parent company) were proposing construction of the Northern Pass and “thus began a resurrection of my legal activity fighting Northern Pass.” He has been involved in that fight now for almost 8 years representing North Country residents who are opposed to having their property used for the project. Most recently, he has been participating on behalf of his clients in the SEC process.
We look forward to an informative evening with a lively discussion. All are welcome to attend.