WASHINGTON — Carolyn Mahan, professor of biology and environmental studies at Penn State Altoona, testified before the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources on Feb. 26 in Washington, D.C.
Invited by the congressional staff, Mahan provided her professional input on the management of electrical transmission line rights-of-way on federal lands.
Her testimony highlighted the process of integrated vegetation management that can be used to create early successional native plant communities under transmission lines. These ecological communities support biodiversity while not interfering with the safe and reliable transmission of energy. In addition, over time, this approach to management can save money and reduce the effects of invasive species.
Mahan said her testimony could help inform congressional decisions regarding rights-of-way management on federal lands.