Gwinnett County asks Legislature's help on power lines

LAWRENCEVILLE - Gwinnett County is joining Rabun, Cobb and other counties is asking the state legislature to help regulate the building of high tension power lines. <br> <br> The county commissioners had considered a short moratorium on new power lines until the law can be changed in the 2003 legislative session. <br> <br> But Assistant County Attorney Gary Stephens warned that recent court cases in Cobb and Rabun counties and in the city of Buford have favored the power companies. <br> <br> Commissioners said Tuesday they are powerless to fight the power companies. They want legislators to authorize the Public Service Commission to regulate placement and justification of high-voltage lines. <br> <br> The power line debate has escalated as some residents between Grayson and Lawrenceville are protesting a plan by the Municipal Electric Association of Georgia to put new transmission lines in their area.