138 Kv Transmission Line Is a "Connected Action"

The 138 Kv transmission line currently under consideration by Tucson Electric Power is considered a "connected action."

As mentioned in the Notice of Intent published in the Federal Register, March 13, 2008, the Forest Service considers "utilities" intended for the proposed Rosemont Copper Project to be connected actions:

"Connected actions related to the MPO (e.g., construction of roads, utilities) will also be evaluated in the EIS, regardless of whether they are proposed to be undertaken on NFS land."

The definition of a connected action under the National Environmental Policy Act can be found in the Council on Environmental Quality's implementing regulations at 40 CFR 1508.  The relevant language is as follows:

"Connected actions, which means that they are closely related and therefore should be discussed in the same impact statement.  Actions are connected if they:

     (i) Automatically trigger other actions which may require environmental impact statements.

     (ii) Cannot or will not proceed unless other actions are taken previously or simultaneously.

     (iii) Are interdependent parts of a larger action and depend on the larger action for their justification."