The Hudson Valley Smart Energy Coalition (HVSEC), a coalition of community groups opposed to new transmission power lines in the Hudson Valley, commended the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) Dec. 11 for seeking more information on the proposal. The new power lines -- which the groups complain could reach 165 feet and cut through 25 communities in seven counties of the Hudson Valley -- would move electricity south to the New York City market. The PSC is now asking project developers to provide more information on the need issue, as activists and researchers claim they are unnecessary. The PSC will hold a technical conference on these issues in June 2015. The Hudson Valley Smart Energy Coalition includes municipal officials; environmental, cultural, historic and land preservation organizations; businesses; and residents who support creation of a modern, comprehensive energy plan for the Hudson Valley and New York State. More information available at www.hvsec.org