Who are the sponsors of the natural gas project?
What do you know about them?

See the Project Principals page.

Why do the proponents want to build these power plants in Vermont?

The project sponsors have commissioned studies that show it is financially viable. There is room on the 345 kv transmission line that runs between Rutland and Vermont Yankee in Vernon, so they can move the power out of state. They say we have the water necessary for cooling. The state has proposed to perform an expedited review of the project to meet the project schedule of having the power plants operating by Nov. 1, 2001.

Why don't they build them in New York State where they already have the gas?

Project sponsors have proposed to build a third power plant, 810 megawatts, in Glenville/Scotia, New York.

Why don't they bring the natural gas over from Whitehall, New York where it is closer to Vermont than Albany, and run it along the US Route 4 highway?

Project sponsors chose to do business with Iroquois, and their nearest connection point is Wright, the other side of Albany. Project sponsors did not choose to do business with the pipeline company that owns the natural gas line that runs through Whitehall.

Why don't they run the pipeline in the railroad right-of-way?

It would cost more and there are safety, environmental, and engineering issues. See the Railroad Route Evaluation Report.

Why aren't they using US Route 7 for the pipeline?

The Vermont Agency of Transportation preferred the use of utility corridors rather than giving up their right-of-way. For an account of why the proposed pipeline route is located where it is, see the minutes of the SVNG Pipeline Project Preferred Route Selection Meeting.

Why does VCE oppose this project?

VCE has researched the basic issues surrounding this project and finds no public good for the people of Vermont. The two large industrial sites will emit pollution that will make our air dirtier. Huge quantities of water are necessary for cooling. The power will be sold out of state. Private property can be seized by eminent domain for the pipeline. For more than half the length of the pipeline route, nobody will get natural gas. The last priority of this project is getting natural gas to residences in Vermont. No facts have been presented to show that this project will lead to economic development and jobs. There are 58 other proposals to build natural gas generators in New England while there is a need for a fraction of those. Vermont’s reputation as an environmental state with bucolic settings and clean air will be damaged. The basic question of what Vermont is and what we want it to be is the heart of the matter.

What will it cost to stop it?

VCE is working to stop the project before they file. In order to do this, we have a headquarters, and a coordinator. We are building the issues files and sending mailings to the lists of affected property owners that are currently being compiled. A media campaign is also in process. We have retained two attorneys and will soon announce them, along with our Board of Directors and Advisory Board. All of this costs money. Fortunately, support throughout the communities has been forthcoming. Your support at this time is greatly appreciated.

Once they file, the costs to compete with three multi-billion dollar corporations increase exponentially. Estimates of $100,000 to $500,000 to deal with the issues through experts and lawyers before the Public Service Board are common according to citizens groups dealing with power plant issues in other New England states. We would appreciate receiving pledges in anticipation of the filing. Contributions will be tax-deductible.