Senate Rejects Governor's Pro Powerline Amendment

From Senator Holtzman-Vogel

I am writing to say thank you for your help on the power line vote today in the Senate. This afternoon the Senate voted to reject the Governor's amendment to SB 596!

In an effort to end the opposition to Dominion's power line project, Governor Tim Kaine had offered amendments to SB 596 that would virtually assure that the proposed transmission lines would be built in our district. It was a devastating blow to those who had worked so hard to defeat Dominion's proposed plan.

I emailed most of you earlier to alert you to this appalling action by the Governor on behalf of Dominion Power and many of you responded with calls to the Governor and other members of the General Assembly. It made a difference and stopped what can only be characterized as a shocking and heavy handed effort by the Governor and his caucus' Dominion allies to subvert the process and pull the rug out from under the people in our community who have fought this power line project.

During the election last fall, no one believed me when I said that those on the other side were only paying lip service to the power line fight and would prove to be on Dominion's side when the real fight came. Well, it happened and we stopped it and I just wanted to say hooray for all of you who helped! Your emails and your phone calls helped those of us who were fighting this get the votes in the Senate to fully reject the Governor's amendments.

Thank you again for your help and what a great day for the people who love the Valley and the Piedmont!