ESLC Kicks Off Campaign to Keep Citizens Engaged in Dorchester Powerline Debate
ueenstown, Maryland – June 21, 2009 –In conjunction with the beginning of the summer season, Eastern Shore Land Conservancy, has announced the official launch of a public awareness campaign against the Mid-Atlantic Power Pathway as it is currently proposed. The Mid-Atlantic Power Pathway (MAPP) project is a 230-mile high-voltage (500 kilowatt) electricity transmission line that would stretch from the Possum Point generation facility in Prince William County, Virginia, to the Indian River generation facility in Sussex County, Delaware.
This campaign and action center is aimed at informing local residents about the project. It will provide resources, news and links to help members of the community stay current and engaged with the project.
“We are very pleased to be able to provide the Save Energy, Save Dorchester website and action center as a resource for Eastern Shore residents to learn about and hopefully get involved with this project,” said Morgan Ellis, Regional Land Use Planner and spokesperson for the campaign. “If approved as proposed, this transmission line would completely and irrevocably alter the amazing rural character of Dorchester County. We hope that folks will use this website to stay in touch and on top of the latest developments concerning the proposal.”
This transmission line requires a 200 foot right-of-way for the 140-150 foot high towers and would transect 27 miles of Dorchester County (27 miles) with large transmission towers. The rights-of-way required for these lines would consume 650 acres of Dorchester’s agriculture, forest and rural lands. There are many unanswered questions on the impacts to Dorchester’s economy, environment, and the possible alternatives and the MAPP Action Center was designed to provide visitors with resource information, the latest project news and links to ways you can make your voice heard on this project.
In conjunction with this campaign kick-off and the impending summer season ESLC reminds Eastern Shore residents about ways to save energy and ultimately money on their own utility expenses – and will use the website to pass along energy saving ideas and promotions as well.
To keep utility bills lower this summer, ESLC reminds residents to consider the following:
Up your thermostat: Set your thermostat to 78 degrees when you are home and 85 degrees or off when you are away and you can save anywhere from one to three percent per degree that your thermostat is set above 72 degrees. Use ceiling and room fans to help cool the room – and keep the thermostat at a higher temperature.
Use appliances wisely: Run major appliances during off-peak hours (i.e. between 4 and 6 p.m.) Consider washing with cold water instead of warm or hot water for a four percent savings and line dry clothes instead of running the dryer.
Replace filters: Use the official beginning of summer as a reminder to change all of your air conditioning filters. Dirty filters restrict airflow and can cause the system to run longer, increasing energy use. Replace filters monthly for maximum benefit and save up to two percent on your cooling bill.
Fill up the Fridge: Did you know that a full refrigerator runs more efficiently when it is full? Having lots of food in your fridge keeps it from warming up too fast when the door is open. So your fridge doesn’t have to work as hard to stay cool.