The Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia is about to have its “almost heaven” landscape defiled, its real estate values plummet, and its farmland threatened. Utility bills will increase because of the proposed for-profit power line, PATH.

What is PATH? The PATH, or the Potomac-Appalachian Transmission Highline is a proposal to build high voltage transmission lines constructed by Allegheny Power and American Electric to supply electric power to serve New Jersey residents.

The electric lines will be powered by WV coal. As a result, Mountain Top Removal will increase to utilize a cheaper and less environmentally friendly mode of mining. Streams, valleys and sources of water for our state will be adversely affected. There will be more carbon and poisons in the air that we breathe, and in turn, tourism dollars will drop.

The PATH could possibly result in a serious abuse of the state’s power to use “Eminent Domain” to seize our land and gain access for this 765-kilovolt power line. Property values will decrease because no one wants to buy a house with an electrical tower in their front yard. Farmland and livestock could also be ruined and fatally impacted. The reality is that no one wants to live under an electromagnetic field and test the theory that cancer and high power electric lines are related

Gov. Manchin’s suggestion that WV will tax the Electric Power Companies is not the answer. The cost and negative impact on the quality of life to West Virginians is too toxic. Higher taxes will result in the companies passing that cost onto the consumer as increased rates.

Let’s unite! Community and government officials, say NO to PATH!

The health of our elderly, our children and grandchildren as well as the preservation of West Virginia needs to be protected.

Bobbi Blok

Harpers Ferry