Editor:

Energy demand has been dropping like a rock, according to information from PJM, the grid operator for 13 states including New Jersey. An Aug. 12 article in the Wall Street Journal shows that demand has dropped at an accelerated rate of 4.4% for the first six months of 2009. (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125003563550224269.html)

The alleged "need" for this PSE&G line simply doesn't add up. Demand over the past two years has dropped 10 percent, which is contrary to the 1.6 percent annual growth that PJM projected that deemed the project necessary in the first place. So we have a few years to really think about what might be the best solution to addressing any future violations.

Running a 500KV line "extension cord" from coal fired plants in West Virginia and Pennsylvania to Roseland and Hudson/New York City is not in the interests of New Jersey citizens or our environment. There are a multitude of better solutions that would benefit ratepayers, our environment and our communities along the
"chosen route."

Demand Side Manage-ment is a way that energy companies can deal with "peak" demand, the high energy usage time in summer months. Peak demand time is only 50 hours out of the year, and this is what PJM and PSE&G are mainly concerned with since this is when lines could potentially be overloaded. It's been proven effective in other states including California and Colorado. New Jersey's offshore wind project and more solar programs also are moving forward, and the technology behind solar power generation is improving. Solar is perfect for "peak demand" needs.

PSE&G's proposal for Susquehanna-Roseland line is to use towers nearly 200 feet in height, which would devastate our rural areas in northwest New Jersey. It would have a very real and substantial negative impact on tourism and other businesses in our areas where people come to recreate and relax. We can't afford to industrialize some of the only pristine areas left in our state.

David Slaperud for
Stop The Lines

Fredon

Cat shelter needs more supporters

Editor:

CLAWS Cat Rescue Adoption Shelter may have to close. The shelter was founded by Stan and Laurie Walsh in 2002 as a small backyard operation in Sussex. It has since moved to a larger facility in Augusta.

They have rescued and found homes for thousands of cats in the area. CLAWS is not like your ordinary basic municipality shelter; it is not funded by the state or township. All funding is generated from donations, fund-raisers, and a few grants. Mostly, all of the money goes to the staff to run the facility, food, supplies and medical expenses. CLAWS is truly a no-kill
shelter.

Most of us love animals and have pets of our own. Many of us also have taken the extra step in helping a stray pet that happens to come along. We know what it costs to provide quality care to our pets. Stan and Laurie have taken their love of animals far beyond the boundaries of most people.

The shelter has supporters, but it needs more. The community needs to step up and save our shelter. Send a much-needed donation, or save your spare change. Recycle your old gold or silver jewelry to help the shelter. Either drop it off at the shelter or mail it in. Every little bit helps.

Support the shelter's fund-raisers. Call the shelter to see what you can do or visit our open house. Also, we encourage you to spay or neuter your pets.

These two people have given so much and need financial support from
the community to keep
operating.

You can send a donation to CLAWS at: 28 Pelletown Road, Augusta NJ, 07822.

Ann Kazmierski

Wantage