Thousands of Virginians testified this summer against the power line proposed by Dominion and Allegheny Power. They spoke with the hope that their words would sway the State Corporation Commission to reject
the line.

The federal government stepped in, however, and declared this area part of a National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor.

In layman's terms, that means the power companies can appeal a state rejection by pleading their case directly to the Department of Energy.

Powerful Virginia legislators, from Governor Tim Kaine to Attorney General Bob McDonnell, complained and petitioned for a rehearing.

A rehearing will be granted, and that has Congressman Frank Wolf- one of the foremost voices against the power lines- feeling more upbeat.

"Only time will tell, but my sense is that the decision will probably be made in the state of Virginia, by the State Corporation Commission," remarked Wolf.

Bob Lazaro works for the Piedmont Environmental Council, and appreciates the Congressman's optimism.

But until the federal government actually drops the designation, he says, the PEC will keep its guard up.

"We believe that the decision should and will be made at the state level," said Lazaro, "but until these NIETC corridors are disbanded...we are very fearful that somebody could still apply."

The first time the government considered the corridors, it held four hearings up and down the East Coast, one of which was in Virginia.

Lazaro says that needs to change if the interests of 50 million Americans are to be represented.

"We believe they should hold a hearing in every county," said Lazaro, "in Virginia, and in New york, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware, where this will be impacted."

Even if the D.O.E. abandons the designation and leaves the decision up to the states, Wolf warns power line opponents should not hold their breath over the S.C.C. decision.

"The State Corporation Commission, to the best of my knowledge, has probably never turned Dominion down," said Wolf. "I really worry about the atmosphere down there in Richmond. Dominion probably retains most of the large, powerful law firms in the city."

The S.C.C. is expected to make its decision next summer.

In other news, the Piedmont Environmental Council submitted its testimony to the S.C.C. this week regarding the power line.

The group concluded the power companies misrepresent the need for power in this region, and ignore less costly and environmentally-damaging solutions.