Lawmakers voice
power-line unease
Members of the state's congressional delegation met with Energy Secretary Rick Perry last week to voice concerns about the Plains and Eastern Clean Line energy project, which would carry power from windmills in Oklahoma to Tennessee and beyond, traversing Arkansas along the way.
The Energy Department gave the $2 billion project the green light in March 2016, despite objections from the lawmakers. In March of this year, the delegation wrote a letter urging Perry to block the project.
They argue that the department's decision ignored the concerns of Arkansans and would "usurp states' rights."
In a written statement after the meeting, members of the delegation thanked Perry for hearing their concerns.
"We understand the Secretary inherited this agreement, which has all the hallmarks of the Obama administration's excessive government overreach. While this problem was not caused by the Trump administration, Secretary Perry indicated that he is committed to a thorough review of how this project was allowed to advance. We stand ready to provide Secretary Perry with all the information needed to make appropriate decisions as the review process moves forward," it concluded.
Officials with Houston-based Clean Line Energy Partners say the project would be good for the economy and good for the environment, creating jobs and increasing access to renewable energy.
The line would carry 4,000 megawatts, enough power to supply 1 million homes, supporters say. A converter station in Pope County would enable up to 500 megawatts of the power to be delivered to Arkansas customers.
Huckabee supports
criminal justice bid
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee is the latest high-profile figure to support Right on Crime and its efforts to overhaul the nation's criminal justice system.
The Austin, Texas-based group has already received backing from former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, former U.S. Attorney General Ed Meese, former Texas Gov. Rick Perry, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and dozens of other Republicans.
Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson also signed the organization's seven-point statement of principles before his election. He is listed as a "signatory emeritus."
"Conservatives are known for being tough on crime, but we must also be tough on criminal justice spending. That means demanding more cost-effective approaches that enhance public safety," the statement declares.
The organization supported a 2011 law that expanded the state's drug courts.
The Rev. Jack Graham, pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church near Dallas and a Conway native, has also signed the organization's statement of principles.
Pat Nolan, a member of Right on Crime and the director of the Center for Criminal Justice Reform at the American Conservative Union Foundation, said the group is pleased to welcome Huckabee.
"We've admired him for years," Nolan said. "We're just delighted to have him."
Nolan said Huckabee's voice will be helpful.
"When issues come up, we may ask him to write an op-ed or do an interview on TV about the issue, giving his perspective," he added.
C-SPAN bus to stop
in state in February
C-SPAN has announced its 50 Capitals Tour but says it will be awhile before it stops in Arkansas.
Representatives of the channel, which airs live coverage of the U.S. House of Representatives, will travel in an "all-new, state-of-the-art 45-foot customized coach," C-SPAN officials said. "On board, visitors will find 11 large-screen tablets, a classroom area with a smart TV, [a high definition] production studio and a D.C.-themed selfie station."
C-SPAN plans to invite governors and other state officials to stop by and participate.
"We'll be in Little Rock mid-February ... still ironing out the details," a C-SPAN spokesman said.
The bus made stops last week in Richmond, Va., and Annapolis, Md.
The tour will last until November 2018, officials said.
Arkansan begins
internship in D.C.
Sam Hoisington, who is working toward a journalism degree from Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, started an internship in September at The Chronicle of Higher Education in Washington.
The Bentonville High School graduate, 21, is scheduled to work for the publication until mid-December.
Hoisington, who also did stints at The Courier in Russellville and at Arkansas Business, said things are busy. "There's a lot of breaking news in higher education," he said.
Hoisington was the online editor at The Arka Tech, Arkansas Tech's nearly-century-old campus paper.
While the news industry is evolving, "There's a lot of opportunity out there," he said.
In his free time, he's hunting for a permanent position in the media industry. "I don't have a geographic preference," he said.
"I'd just like to do some good journalism."
Hill's mobile office
to roll this week
The office of U.S. Rep. French Hill will hold mobile office hours Thursday giving constituents another way to seek assistance or information.
The first stop will focus on veterans' issues and will take place from 9 a.m. to noon in the Southwest Community Center, 6401 Baseline Road, Little Rock.
The second will be held from 5-7 p.m. in the West Central Community Center, 8616 Colonel Glenn Road, Little Rock.
Hill, a Republican from Little Rock, represents the state's 2nd Congressional District, which includes Van Buren, White, Conway, Perry, Saline, Faulkner and Pulaski counties.
Planning to visit the nation's capital? Know something happening in Washington, D.C.? Please contact Frank Lockwood at (202) 662-7690 or flockwood@arkansasonline.com. Want the latest from the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette's Washington bureau? It's available on Twitter, @LockwoodFrank
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