N.J. Highlands Council approves PSE&G's proposed power line project

The state Highlands Council approved a special exemption for a major electric utility upgrade that would cut through some of North Jersey's most pristine property.

The board voted 8-2 today, after two hours of public comment, in favor of Public Service Electric & Gas Co.'s proposed 45-mile, $750 million high-voltage power line project that opponents testified would ravage the land -- hurting flora and fauna -- and damage the region's natural beauty.

Opponents also contended the council had been "bribed" by a PSE&G offer of millions in future environmental mitigation dollars to approve the "Susquehanna-Roseland reliability project."

"It looks like we're accepting money in return for a consistence determination. In a state described as having a culture of corruption, I'm astonished," said council member and former Greenwich Township Mayor Deborah Pasquarelli, who cast one of two no votes along with Passaic County Freeholder Tahesha Way.

Council colleague Glen Vetrano, who is a Sussex County freeholder, called her remarks "hurtful" and "off base."

The council majority said the Highlands Act clearly called for the council to consider future economic needs of the region, allowing for exemptions for future utility system needs.

Council members lauded PSE&G for amending its original plan by altering the route of the proposed line, reducing the number of towers, pledging to create a mitigation plan backed by a minimum $4 million bond and offering an $18.6 million fund for future land preservation and stewardship needs.

PSE&G still must get state Board of Public Utilities approval and also may need to get the project past federal energy officials, officials stressed.

Unhappy opponents vowed to short-circuit today's vote.

"It is outrageous, and we plan to ask Gov. Corzine to veto the minutes of that meeting," said Jeff Tittel, executive director of the New Jersey branch of the Sierra Club. "Procedures were violated. There were ethical issues, potential conflicts of interest."

PSE&G contends the transmission line is needed to maintain reliability of the regional electricity grid and prevent brownouts and blackouts. The proposed line would run from Pennsylvania into New Jersey, traveling from Hardwick in Warren County, through Sussex and Morris counties and to Roseland in Essex County.

That includes 26 miles, mostly on the exact route of its existing 85-year-old line, through the protected Highlands region.

PSE&G said the line was mandated by PJM Interconnection, an organization that oversees a regional power grid in 13 states. The project includes installation of 180- to 190-foot towers, twice the height of current towers, to accommodate existing 230-kilovolt line and a new 500-kilovolt line.

A dozen towns in Morris and Sussex counties have joined a coalition to fight the PSE&G plan. Opponents say the lines would reduce property values and cause environmental and health concerns.

"This project will forever scar the Highlands," testified Matthew Lally of Andover Township. "This area will be known as the Highlands because of the miles of 200-foot high power lines that will slash through this area."

But business and industry representatives testified of a "great need for safe and reliable" power in the state. Representatives of the Nature Conservancy and New Jersey Audubon also testified about their positive dealings with PSE&G on major utility versus nature issues.

Council Vice-Chairman Jack Schrier, a Morris County freeholder, said exemptions were written into the Highlands Act by the legislature to allow the council to have leeway in making the best decisions for the entire Highlands region. Included, he said, was an opportunity for public utilities to seek exemptions.

"There was no specific understanding of exactly what the nature of those so-called upgrades or repairs might be," said Schrier. "Technology moves at a rapid pace," he said, contending the law gave the council flexibility to handle whatever comes its way.