Most public officials and even environmental activists in northeast Pennsylvania did nothing several years ago as PPL Corp. planned and constructed its power line monstrosity across the region's ridge tops to sell power in New Jersey.

PPL wants to build another behemoth across most of the state, for the same purpose.The $4-billion to $6-billion plan is to gather power generated by power plants fueled by natural gas as coal-fired plants retire, and transmit it eastward.So far, the New Jersey chapter of the Sierra Club has announced its opposition, on the grounds that it would be cheaper and less environmentally disruptive to meet power demand through conservation and other increased efficiency, and through renewable sources such as wind and solar, far nearer the markets where the power will be consumed.But most of the actual environmental impact would be in Pennsylvania.Local governments across the potential path of the line, and environmental groups concerned about the broader picture, should prepare now to challenge the proposal.- The (Scranton) Times-Tribune