Protest We Must To Stop NYRI

We have been hearing a lot about the NYRI (New York Regional Interconnect) and its intent to run power lines through Sullivan County.

Although the subject at hand is starting to heat up, the majority of Sullivan County residents are paying little attention to the issue. It is time that changed

The NYRI seems to be a confusing and dull topic. In fact, the entire concept in itself is very puzzling.

In a nutshell the NYRI, thanks to deregulation, has proposed a high voltage power line which would run 190 miles from Utica to New Windsor. The height of the towers would be 115 feet.

The NYRI is not a public company, so do not be fooled by its initials. This new private company will not even create electricity - they will only carry it on its lines.

Their proposed $1.6 billion project would cover 36.6 miles in Sullivan County. It will pass trough eight counties and 38 towns, cities and villages.

The goal is to deliver power to the lower Hudson Valley, New York City, and Long Island.

Although they have applied with the New York State Public Service Commission for approval, the NYRI feels that a federal Energy Act provision can allow it to bypass state regulators even if the state does not approve the new power lines.

There is also the belief that if the Department of Energy designates the route a national electric transmission corridor, it will be automatically approved.

The people behind the NYRI say they have the power to scoop up land it needs for the power lines through eminent domain. They basically could care less about Sullivan County, or what they may do to our scenery.

Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther one of the state’s leading vocal advocates against the NYRI proposal has said there has to be a better solution and different corridor for the proposed power line. How right she is.

In fact, all of our local elected state officials have blasted NYRI’s proposal. Congressman Maurice Hinchey is preparing a fight on the federal level.

So if everyone is against NYRI’s plans - why are we now facing this mess?

According to State Senate candidate and Ulster County legislator Susan Zimet Governor George Pataki and the Republican controlled State Senate is to blame.

Zimet’s allegations might have some merit.

Because of deregulation, which was pushed by Pataki and the State Senate, laws overseeing utilities became lax. The public’s role diminished, and power companies did not invest in an aging infrastructure. The system used today is said to be incapable to meet today’s energy needs throughout our state.

State Senator John Bonicac has introduced legislation which would limit a corporation’s ability to use eminent domain is such cases as NYRI’s in an attempt to stop their plan.

Conversely, Zimet has said Bonicac’s solution is not the answer because it does not address the real problem, and the threat from the Federal Government to allow NYRI’s new power corridor.

Zimet has offered an alternative solution which was once considered.

Her plan would require that the State of New York designate the New York State Thruway Corridor as the priority area for power transmission lines. This plan would be facilitated by the New York State Power Authority.

If this alternative were approved, our natural heritage in Sullivan County would be preserved. And, we will get the new energy grid they say we so desperately need.

It is essential that our elected officials in Albany act quickly on this matter.

What a great legacy Governor Pataki could leave us in Sullivan County if he intervenes and stops NYRI’s plan in its tracks. Senator Bonicac and all of our political officials must use all the muscle they have on Pataki.

The battle to fix the deregulation boggle can be fought on another day with a new administration. Fighting NYRI’s plan cannot wait that long.

Email Bill