A South Fork community is pushing back on a proposal to run a new underground power line.

Kelly Dodds has lived with her family in Sag Harbor for 13 years. She says she is ready to fight to stop PSEG Long Island's proposal to place a new power line under Long Pond Greenbelt.

"This is part of Sag Harbor - it's an essential part of this community - it can't happen," Dodds says.

The nature reserve that neighbors are trying to protect includes 13 coastal ponds.

Founder of Defend H20 Kevin McCallister says the cable emits an electromagnetic field that could affect the lifespan of organisms in the wetlands.

"Powering up is a necessity out here - there's not a question but that," McCallister says. "But when you have roots that do not threaten a rare ecosystem - that's the appropriate choice."

PSEG Long Island and LIPA say they are actively reviewing the environmental impacts of the options and have presented other routes they could take.

LIPA added in part, "LIPA is committed to a fair and transparent public process for all projects."