Letter from JOHN HARTMAN

The citizens of Western Canyon County of Protect Canyon County would like to thank the Parma Task Force of Protect Parma Idaho and the Malheur County Citizens Group of Stop Idaho Power for their relentless efforts to inform the public and pressure Idaho Power on the importance of moving the B2H 500kV transmission lines and the Sand Hollow Sub Station (Northwest Source Substation) from the rural areas of Western Treasure Valley. Although these groups have a slightly different focus on this issue, the important point we all can agree on is the value of placing these transmission lines on public lands. It seems that Idaho Power has “seen the light” and the Sand Hollow Substation is no longer a priority for now. Idaho Power has said they will now establish local citizen involvement teams for input on recommendations for a less intrusive B2H route. Idaho Power has realized their mistake of not initially engaging and including members of local communities that will be affected by these potentially 190 foot tall towers. We would like to publicly thank Idaho Power for this little bit of breathing room and to now see the importance of community involvement in the placement of something that so profoundly affects us all.
We believe that each of the Western Treasure Valley groups must work together toward our common goal. The citizens of our communities must realize that this is only the beginning of a long process and that we all must continue to be actively involved. Write letters, spread the word and tell Idaho Power your story. We must make sure that all of the decision makers involved in the B2H Transmission Line Project understand that these transmission lines do not need to go over Prime Agricultural Lands and City Impact Areas. A POWER LINE FOR THE PUBLIC GOOD SHOULD BE ON PUBLIC LANDS.