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Charlestown council approves sending amended letter to PJM and adopts stronger resolution language opposing proposed transmission route
Summary
Council members voted to send a letter to PJM Interconnection removing a weak closing sentence and approved an amended resolution that emphasizes opposition to routing that would take private property or raise rates; staff will transmit the revised letter and resolution to PJM and affected officials.
Council members debated a draft letter and an attached resolution opposing proposed transmission‑line routing through the Charlestown area and surrounding county. Several council members said the draft’s final paragraph was too weak and suggested stronger language urging PJM to avoid taking private property or imposing higher electric rates on residents.
"I would motion to approve sending the letter to the PJM Board of Managers striking the final paragraph of the draft," Council member (S8) said; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote following brief discussion about whether to also send the resolution to the state Public Service Commission and to explicitly name Jefferson County municipalities in the distribution list.
Council members asked staff to adjust wording, correct a typographical error in an interim manager’s name, and expand the resolution’s "now, therefore" section to include concern about property takings. One council member noted that some proposed lines would stay within existing right of way while another, larger 765 kV line (Valley Lane/765 project) would likely impact properties in the city.
The council adopted the amended resolution as presented and instructed staff to transmit the revised letter and resolution to PJM and to local and state elected officials. No public vote tally was recorded beyond the voice votes carrying the motions; council characterized the action as a formal transmission of the council’s objections and stronger language of opposition.
Next steps: staff will transmit the amended letter and resolution to PJM and prepare any suggested follow‑up to the state PSC if council directs further transmission.
