2,500 people opposed a 400,000-volt power line in southern France, but the government authorized a public utility investigation. Local groups aim to highlight alternatives and legal challenges.
Public opposition to power line project
On September 19, 2,500 people, including 140 elected officials, gathered at the Ancient Theatre of Arles to oppose the proposed 400,000-volt overhead power line between Jonquières-Saint-Vincent in the Gard and Fos-sur-Mer in the Bouches-du-Rhône. This project has been heavily contested for three years by local elected officials, environmental associations, farmers, and tourism professionals in the exceptional and fragile territory of the Terre d'Argence, the Crau, and the Camargue.Government authorizes preliminary investigation
However, the government decided to proceed by authorizing, on October 13, the preliminary investigation for the declaration of public utility (DUP) of the project. The investigation is scheduled to begin on November 9 and will last for one month.Collective outlines strategy
The collective Stop-THT 13/30, representing 37 associations and thousands of people, took some time to respond. Meeting on October 23 in Arles, it defined its strategy. "We consider that the five investigators appointed have arrived in a neutral manner. We will play along, explain to them what we have been saying for three years," summarizes Jean-Laurent Lucchesi, spokesperson for the collective.Alternatives to overhead line proposed
"We share the government's ambitions to decarbonize and reindustrialize the Fos area and create jobs there. Our only point of disagreement, but it is essential and unavoidable, is RTE's choice to build an overhead line," continues Lucchesi. "There are alternatives, such as an underground line. We have proposed it, and we will explain its technical feasibility and economic viability, as we did at the Ancient Theatre."Legal and coordinated opposition planned
During the public inquiry period, the collective will once again mobilize citizens, organize public meetings in all the communes, and expand communication on this issue at the national and European levels. However, no pressure actions, demonstrations, or violent contestation are planned. "We will stay within the legal framework," continues Jean-Laurent Lucchesi.Legal support and united front
"We are, however, considering approaching personalities who live in the area to form a support committee. From a legal perspective, we will act jointly with the lawyers of the collective, the ACCM, the Camargue Park, the farmers of the 30, the rice growers..." Everything will be done within a month, and possibly fifteen additional days, if the investigators deem it necessary, to ensure opposition to the overhead line is massive. There is a united front against this project that we want to impose from the highest levels of the state "and which is completely rejected by the grassroots, regardless of political tendencies," concludes the collective's spokesperson.
