Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) said it welcomed the addition of the Susquehanna-Roseland electric reliability project to the initial list of projects for a new federal Rapid Response Team for Transmission, aimed at coordinating and expediting the federal permitting process for critical infrastructure upgrades. The Susquehanna-Roseland power line is one of seven projects eligible for this joint initiative by the White House Council on Environmental Quality, the U.S. Department of the Interior, the U.S. Department of Energy and a number of other agencies.
“It’s clear the Administration recognizes the importance of this transmission system upgrade that will maintain electric reliability for millions of people in our region,” said Ralph LaRossa, president of PSE&G. “Since this project was announced, we have been working closely with state and federal agencies such as the National Park Service to ensure a timely review and approval of permits that are needed before work can begin. We fully understand and support a thorough assessment. At the same time, utilities need the ability to make these critical system upgrades in a timely manner. The Rapid Response Team is a welcome addition to the federal permitting process.”
The Susquehanna-Roseland power line is a joint project of PPL Electric Utilities in Pennsylvania and PSE&G in New Jersey. The line will connect substations in Berwick, PA and Roseland, NJ. The project already has been approved by both the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities and the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. In addition to maintaining electric system reliability, the Susquehanna-Roseland project will create more than 2,000 jobs during the multi-year construction of the 145-mi line.
The project is under review by the National Park Service (NPS), which is performing an environmental impact study. The NPS review is needed because the route chosen by the utilities crosses 4 mi of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, the Middle Delaware National Scenic and Recreational River and the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.
The route chosen by the utilities for the Susquehanna-Roseland power line already follows an existing power line right of way and is the most reasonable path for this critical improvement to the region’s electrical infrastructure. The route contains an existing power line, constructed about 80 years ago and long before the park units were created. The existing line will remain in service once the additional line is added. Using the existing right of way for the upgrade will minimize impact on people and the environment.
More information about the project can be found at reliabilityproject.pseg.com.
