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Public urges face-to-face meeting with NPS director; residents and commissioners raise concerns about electric interconnect
Summary
During public comment, residents asked commissioners to meet with new NPS director Eamon Leahy and expressed concern about a planned electric interconnect and the potential for higher regional electric rates; commissioners agreed to seek a meeting and said stakeholders will plan sessions to discuss impacts.
Residents at the April 15 Pike County commissioners meeting urged a face-to-face conversation with the new permanent director of the National Park Service, Eamon Leahy, and raised concerns about a planned electric interconnect that county residents fear may raise electricity prices.
"I would really love to see the commissioners have a personal meeting scheduled with the new permanent director of NPS, Eamon Leahy," public commenter Fred Weber said during the public-comment period, asking for direct engagement so residents can receive clearer updates.
Commissioners and staff responded that they share the concern and will seek to organize such a meeting. A commissioner noted a previous face-to-face meeting had occurred during the process and that further meetings would be scheduled. "We will organize a meeting and make that request," the chair said in response to the public comment.
Public commenters also warned of broader economic impacts if neighboring states reduce fossil-fuel generation, saying that could drive up electric rates in the region. A resident argued that lower local generation could "kill any economic development in this county" by increasing prices; commissioners and staff acknowledged regional complexity and described plans to connect to the PJM grid to improve supply and reliability.
Commissioners said a stakeholder meeting is being organized by county contacts (named in the meeting as Lisa Baker and Jeff Olson with MedEd) to discuss the interconnect's effects across townships, but no date or venue had been set at the meeting.
Why it matters: The interconnect and related transmission work can change electric reliability and rates for residents, and the National Park Service's local decisions (as referenced by residents) may affect county property and projects. The commissioners' agreement to pursue direct meetings and stakeholder sessions signals continued local involvement.
Provenance: Comments and responses recorded beginning at SEG 497 and continuing through SEG 624.
