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Bills In D.C. Seek Underground Power Lines

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Pepco would be required to bury more power lines in the District of Columbia under legislation proposed by members of the D.C. Council.

Advocates say putting the lines underground would remove them from the path of severe weather and could therefore help reduce power outages. Pepco has said it's willing to discuss the idea, but also says the project would be hugely expensive.

The issue is receiving renewed attention following a June 29 storm that left hundreds of thousands of people in the D.C. area without electricity, many for several consecutive days.

One bill seeks a feasibility study on burying power lines in the city. Another bill that was introduced calls for a commission that would identify locations where the lines could be buried.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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