The U.S. Department of Energy gave a boost to a proposed power transmission line under Lake Champlain this week, issuing an environmental study that suggests the department plans to give federal approval to the project.
The New England Clean Power Link, planned by developer TDI New England, is a proposed 154-mile, 1,000 megawatt transmission line designed to bring hydroelectric power from Canada into the southern New England market via a converter station in Ludlow, Vermont.
The Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) from the Department of Energy says the department recommends approval of the development.
“The DOE’s Proposed Action … is the issuance of a Presidential permit that would authorize the construction, operation, and maintenance of the project,” the study says.
The project has few environmental critics. The Conservation Law Foundation inked a deal with TDI New England in which the developer agreed to pay $283.5 million toward Lake Champlain water quality efforts.
TDI New England’s parent company is planning a similar project to bring power under Lake Champlain south to the New York City area.
