Clinton and Schumer join the power line debate

Schumer wants answers, Clinton sites concerns

By FRITZ MAYER

NEW YORK STATE — Both U.S. senators from New York raised questions and concerns last week about the power line project proposed by New York State Regional Interconnect (NYRI). Senator Charles Schumer, expressing “skepticism,” wrote to Richard Muddiman, president of NYRI, to demand answers to a list of questions. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton sent a letter to Joseph T. Kelliher, chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), calling for hearings.

Schumer’s letter said the impacts on the affected communities would be profound, “while the benefits, if any, are uncertain.” Schumer posed a list of “must answer” questions regarding the project, including several that dealt with alternative routes. He wanted to know, for example, if NYRI executives had considered locating lines along the New York State Thruway, or along side the Marcy South power lines, which already carry electricity to nearly the same locations as the proposed NYRI project. In the past, NYRI executives have said that the New York State Thruway Authority had been “unapproachable” on the question, and that the Marcy South route was too narrow, in at least one spot, to accept the addition of new lines.

Schumer’s questions also dealt with potential benefits of the projects and the concerns of the host communities.

Among various concerns that Clinton sited in her letter to FERC was “how the authority of FERC and other federal agencies overlaps with state authorities in the review and permitting of this project.” Federal energy legislation, passed in 2005, gives FERC the authority to override rulings of state agencies, such as the New York Public Service Commission, under certain circumstances. This has also been a specific concern of state Senator John Bonacic, who has spoken out against the emerging role of the federal government in the creation of National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors. The designation of such a corridor might help power line developers avoid local laws. Because of this, Bonacic has said, “Make no mistake about it, this battle will be won or lost in Washington.”

Cinton’s letter also said that the “possible use of eminent domain authority is of particular concern.” NYRI executives have said publicly that the company has the right to use eminent domain and will do so.

Clinton asked that “FERC hold public meetings in the communities along the proposed route this summer to explain its role in the review process, and to hear first-hand the concerns about the project.”