HGS Successfully Defends Final Order Certifying New Transmission Line for Florida Power & Light

HGS successfully defended a Final Order of the Governor and Cabinet (sitting as the Florida Electrical Transmission Line Siting Board) at the Second District Court of Appeal.  The Siting Board’s order approved Florida Power & Light’s Bobwhite-Manatee 230-kilovolt Electrical Transmission Line Project  for a 25 mile transmission line to be constructed in Manatee and Sarasota Counties.  On appeal, Appellant claimed denial of due process and challenged the State’s interpretation of provisions of the Florida Electric Transmission Line Siting Act (TLSA).   FPL was joined in defending the Siting Board's Final Order by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Public Service Commission.  HGS attorney Dan R. Stengle argued before the Court on behalf of FPL and the Siting Board, with HGS attorneys Carolyn S. Raepple and Brian J. Accardo joining on briefs.  On December 16, 2009, the Court issued a per curiam affirmance upholding the Final Order.