The National Trust for Historic Preservation has named the scenic and historic places along the proposed Northern Pass transmission route in New Hampshire, a National Treasure. With current plans calling for nearly 200 miles of high voltage power lines through the state, the National Trust and the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance are advocating for the U.S. Department of Energy to carefully consider the impacts of the Northern Pass route on New Hampshire’s communities, as well as its irreplaceable natural environment.

National Treasures are a portfolio of highly-significant historic places throughout the country where the National Trust makes a long-term commitment to find a preservation solution

“Preservationists are advocating nationwide for the protection of America’s most historic landscapes,” said Stephanie Meeks, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “New Hampshire is beloved by residents and visitors alike for its scenic and natural beauty. As thousands of people flock to the Granite State to enjoy its stunning fall foliage, we are dismayed by plans to construct neatly 200 miles of high voltage power lines through some of the state’s most scenic and historic areas. Rather than this destructive path, we encourage the Department of Energy to conduct a thoughtful assessment that will ensure the path does not diminish the prized places that are integral to New Hampshire’s economy and its heritage tourism industry.”

The Trust is pleased that the Department of Energy is committed to studying the impacts of the newly released route. Northern Pass Transmission, LLC has altered its original route by proposing to bury an additional 52.3 miles of power lines through the White Mountain National Forest. This new route was not included in the original Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) released in July 2015 and will require additional review.

In September, the Department of Energy announced its intention to require a supplement to the DEIS that will assess the impacts of the new route. The National Trust and New Hampshire Preservation Alliance urge the careful documentation of resources along the route and thoughtful consideration of alternatives in this supplement.

“Our New Hampshire landscape is as historic as it is beautiful. Generations have supported the preservation and protection of our river and mountain views, village centers, stone walls, old barns and scenic roads. These are at the heart of our identity as a state” said Jennifer Goodman of the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance. “We are frustrated that the Section 106 review, which is a required federal review process for the project, has been slow and weak to date and that the Draft Environmental Impact Statement’s coverage of these critical resources was inadequate.”

The National Trust encourages the public to read the DEIS and tell the Department of Energy about the places that matter to them by commenting on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement and by attending one of the public information sessions that will be held later this fall.