Northern Pass Appeal Denied by NH Supreme Court

One of the biggest topics of conversation in New Hampshire over the last several years centers around the proposed Northern Pass project. By now, you’ve probably heard the news of the N.H. State Supreme Court's affirmation of the N.H. Site Evaluation Committee's denial of the Northern Pass project. The Preservation Alliance advocated for historic resources for over seven years during the project's development and we are proud of the long-term outcomes.

We are very excited about the growing interest by people across the state — sparked by Northern Pass advocacy — to identify, document, steward and celebrate cultural landscapes. Scenic views, farming valleys and mill systems, recreational corridors and more are so much of what make New Hampshire look and feel like New Hampshire. More on new and big ways of thinking here. And last year’s “what we learned” piece from Jennifer Goodman (our Executive Director) and Sharee Williamson from National Trust for Historic Preservation offers local and national perspectives as well.

Here is a crowd opposing the project at a rally in downtown Plymouth during a site visit by members of the SEC. Photo: Kristen Buckley

During the Site Evaluation Committee (SEC) review process, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, along with the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance and other intervenors, expressed concerns about the proposed Northern Pass project’s negative impacts to historic resources.

“The N.H. Preservation Alliance is grateful to the National Trust for Historic Preservation for its excellent assistance, and thanks people along the proposed route who shared concerns and information about individual properties as well as significant agricultural landscapes, village settings, and scenic views,” said Jennifer Goodman, executive director of the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance. “New Hampshire not only enjoys a rich history, but also an impressive commitment to civic responsibility and environmental stewardship.”

The National Trust also raised strenuous objections during the Department of Energy’s federal permitting process, citing the harm that the project would cause to New Hampshire’s cultural landscapes.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation has been advocating for the protection of this significant landscape since 2011 and designated the site a National Treasure in 2015.