To: Rocky Mountain Power Company, Salem City Council, Utah Public Service Commission, and the Utah State Legislature

We, the undersigned residents and supporters of Salem, Utah, strongly oppose Rocky Mountain Power’s plan to install 345–500 kilovolt (kV) high-voltage transmission lines—mounted on steel monopoles up to 100–150 feet tall—along the north and east borders of Salem Park, directly adjacent to our property lines.

 
Our Concerns
1. Safety & Fire Risk in a Dry Climate

Utah’s dry climate and frequent high winds create a high wildfire risk. Installing massive high-voltage lines directly next to residential neighborhoods and recreational areas increases the chance of catastrophic fires caused by equipment failure, arcing, or downed lines.
Documented disasters in similar Western communities (e.g., California’s PG&E fires) show that above-ground high-voltage lines in arid regions have been a major ignition source for deadly wildfires.

2. Health & Environmental Impact

Long-term proximity to extremely high-voltage (345–500 kV) lines exposes residents, children, and park visitors to elevated electromagnetic fields (EMFs). While studies are ongoing, many scientists advise caution when placing such infrastructure near homes, schools, and playgrounds.
Construction and maintenance will require significant vegetation removal, harming wildlife habitats and increasing soil erosion in our community.

3. Threat to Protected Lands & Wildlife

Salem Park and surrounding neighborhoods are home to protected wildlife species and sensitive habitats. These include migratory birds, small mammals, and plant species that are part of state and federally recognized conservation areas.
Construction noise, pole placement, and maintenance activity can disrupt nesting, feeding, and breeding cycles, directly threatening species survival.
Above-ground power lines are a known hazard for raptors and other large birds, which can be injured or killed through collision or electrocution.

4. Irreversible Damage to Our Neighborhood Character

The proposed steel monopoles—up to 150 feet tall—will permanently dominate our skyline, replacing mountain and open-sky views with industrial structures.
These transmission towers will dramatically reduce property values, making homes harder to sell and decreasing Salem’s long-term tax base.
The intrusion along Salem Park’s borders will diminish the recreational experience for families, athletes, and visitors.

5. Better Alternatives Exist

Undergrounding: While initially more expensive, underground installation greatly reduces fire risk, improves reliability, protects wildlife, and preserves neighborhood character.
Rerouting: Other corridors away from residential areas, protected lands, and public parks are available and would spare our community from unnecessary risks.
 
Our Request
We call upon Rocky Mountain Power to:

a. Cancel the current above-ground route along Salem Park’s north and east borders.
b. Commit to burying these lines underground or selecting an alternate route away from homes, community recreation spaces, and protected habitats.
c. Conduct a full independent environmental, wildlife, and safety impact study with meaningful public input before any further construction planning.
 
By signing this petition, we declare our united opposition to the proposed above-ground installation and demand that safer, community-friendly alternatives be pursued.