State lawmakers are asking state environmental officials to deny permits for a utility expansion project from New Jersey to Delaware over how much the First State will be required to pay for it.
A resolution introduced Wednesday from Rep. Trey Paradee (D-Cheswold) requests DNREC to reject any and all applications dealing with the controversial Artificial Island project.
The proposed utility expansion would lay a transmission line across the Delaware River to boost grid capacity to the region covered by electricity giant PJM.
Officials have estimated Delaware could be on the hook for 60 to 90 percent of the estimated $410 million cost, while only realizing 10 percent of the project’s benefits. That's a ratio lawmakers and businesses have consistently rejected.
Paradee says the resolution aims to bring all parties to the table before proceeding.
“There seems to be different opinions between the Public Advocate and the Public Service Commission and FERC [Federal Energy Regulatory about what these numbers really mean," said Paradee. "But regardless of whether its Delaware picking up 90 percent of the cost or 60 percent of the cost and only getting 10 percent of the benefit - either scenario is unacceptable to me.”
Paradee concedes there are concerns about the legality of such permit denials, but adds the state needs to do what it can to prevent an unfair deal.
“We have to take whatever steps we can to prevent FERC [Federal Energy Regulatory Commission] and larger states around us from trampling little Delaware," said Paradee. "We have to look out for our own here.”
Federal regulators declined to make changes to who foots the bill in April, though that decision is on appeal.
It could take months to resolve.
