Judge tosses lawsuit to stop controversial PPL power line project

A judge rejected a lawsuit filed by environmental groups hoping to reverse federal approval of a controversial high-voltage power line in the region.

Judge Richard Roberts declined arguments by the National Parks Conservation Association and nine other environmental groups that sought to halt construction of the Susquehanna-Roseland project through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and two adjoining federal recreation sites.

The ruling clears a final hurdle facing the contentious 145-mile project, which was first proposed in 2007.