Historic power lines?

Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009 | 2:06 a.m.

To become a leader in solar energy, Nevada needs power lines — both new lines and old lines upgraded. And that could pose a problem.

As Stephanie Tavares reported in Wednesday’s Las Vegas Sun, some power lines that need to be upgraded could be considered cultural and historical artifacts under the National Historic Preservation Act.

The law says that any infrastructure, on public land, that is at least 50 years old can qualify. Most land in the state is owned by the federal government, meaning power lines will likely be reviewed for their historic and cultural significance.

It is outrageous to think that the requirement might slow down, and potentially even stop, plans to build solar power plants in Nevada. There is a competitive race across the country to build renewable energy plants. Nevada has significant natural advantages over other states, but a ridiculous requirement to consider power lines as historic could undercut the state’s ability to compete.

The intent of the National Historic Preservation Act can’t be to grant power lines protection. There is nothing endearing about the design of a power line that requires preservation, except perhaps in a photo.

Power lines serve a distinct purpose and should be upgraded without extraordinary requirements. Should half-century-old sewer and water lines be preserved, instead of replaced? Just as highways and roads are rebuilt and repaved, power lines should be upgraded for the good of the public.

The power grid in the West is not ready to handle the increase in electricity that renewable power plants would bring, so the “historic” character of power lines should not stop the nation from building new energy plants.

Congress should remedy this by passing an exemption to federal law, allowing power lines to be upgraded without any needless requirements.