x
Breaking News
More () »

Fayetteville Alderman Objects On Social Media To Tree-Cutting Policy

FAYETTEVILLE (KFSM) – A Fayetteville alderman says he can “do something about” an electric company’s policy to cut down trees near power...
fayetteville

FAYETTEVILLE (KFSM) – A Fayetteville alderman says he can “do something about” an electric company’s policy to cut down trees near power lines.

City councilmember Matthew Petty took to Facebook on Wednesday morning (Oct. 1), saying he watched Southwest Electric Power Company crews cut down a 60-foot pine tree. He said it was part of a new policy by the electric company to “delete” any tree within 15 feet of a power line.

“It makes me sick,” Petty said in the Facebook post. “And I can do something about it.”

Petty wrote that “around a dozen” cities in Arkansas run their own utilities, including Bentonville, Little Rock and Conway.

“Running their own utility allows these cities to implement more reasonable tree-trimming practices and conduct more robust energy efficiency programs,” Petty’s post states. “Fayetteville will be next.”

The Facebook post also states city-run utilities have other benefits, such as faster internet access.

SWEPCO spokesman Peter Main said the company looks forward to speaking with the alderman about his concerns.

Before You Leave, Check This Out