SEC Denies Northern Pass Attempt to Muzzle Testimony

The NH Site Evaluation Committee denied an attempt by Northern Pass to muzzle the prefiled testimony of landowners submitted by the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, and relevant testimony submitted by the City of Concord.

According to the SEC Order on the Applicant's Motion to Strike, "The scope of the Forest Society’s participation in this docket was not limited, and the
testimony filed by the individuals on behalf of the Forest Society is not repetitive. Each witness
raises different concerns and addresses various impacts of the Project on different properties.
The Applicant’s request to strike the testimony filed on behalf of the Forest Society by Donald
and Diane Bilodeau, Dawn S. Bilodeau, Dana Bilodeau, Lore Moran Dodge, Lisa Moran,
Dean Wilber and John Conkling, is denied."

The order also denied Northern Pass's attempt to strike the testimony of a witness submitted by the City of Concord.

"The City of Concord argues that Mr. Scott is being offered as the City's witness and the
City should be allowed to file his testimony. According to the City, Mr. Scott's testimony
directly relates to the issue of the impact of the Project on the orderly development of the region
and that issue, among others, is directly related to the City's participation. Counsel for the
Public agrees with the City.
The City of Concord's participation is not limited and it may file testimony of witnesses.
It is clear from the City's Objection that Mr. Scott is the City's witness and his testimony directly
relates to the issues raised in this docket. The Applicant's request to strike the testimony of
Mr. Scott is denied."

The order also confirmed that prefiled testimony submitted by individuals Kris Pastoriza and Peter Perkins will be considered as public comment.