Rep. Smith meets with Middletown residents Lisa Walsh and Rachael Kanapka of the citizen’s advocacy group RAGE (Residents Against Giant Electric) in July 2016 to hear their concerns and see first-hand the impact of the proposed 10-mile, 230-kilovolt electric transmission line proposed by JCP&L.
This photo, taken by residents, shows a towering monopole in Woodbridge, NJ that is approximately 105-feet-tall with a base roughly 10-feet in diameter.
Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04) released the following statement after Jersey Central Power & Light Company (JCP&L) officially filed a petition seeking approval from the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) for the construction of a new electric transmission line in Monmouth County:
“I oppose the Monmouth Reliability Project as currently planned and believe that the many substantive concerns expressed by local residents outweigh the speculative benefits of running high-voltage electricity lines above ground and so dangerously close to homes, schools and parks. These include: the potential effects of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) including the health risks they can pose for residents, particularly children; possible decrease in property values; potential harmful environmental impacts; and the potential ‘fall zones’ that the towering poles would present.
While the findings of various studies have been mixed, some studies have suggested an increased prevalence of cancer, including increased cases of child leukemia. Furthermore, the World Health Organization has said that such radiation is “possibly carcinogenic.” As the chairman of the House of Representatives’ global health subcommittee, I believe these concerns must be further investigated and an abundance of caution should be exercised when considering placing these poles through our neighborhoods.
I have met personally with many residents and several leaders of Residents Against Giant Electric (RAGE), including RAGE president Rachael Kanapka. Having walked along the proposed route, I believe it places an unnecessary and undue burden on communities and property owners. As such, I have been working with local, state and federal authorities to help get better information and answers from JCP&L, the New Jersey BPU, and NJ Transit. I believe it is imperative that the company and state agencies demonstrate the need for the line, since reports indicate that unlike distribution lines to homes and businesses, this proposed line is a redundant “transmission” line.
I feel it is essential to ensure total transparency during this process—a process which must facilitate meaningful public input—and I will continue to work aggressively for answers to the many questions residents and I share about the proposal’s necessity and safety.”
