Kelly Continues Federal Push in Opposition to Power Line Proposal in Western Orange

Kelly Continues Federal Push in Opposition to Power Line Proposal in Western Orange

U.S. Congresswoman Sue Kelly today praised a decision by the U.S. Department of Energy to deny the request by New York Regional Interconnect, Inc. (NYRI) for expedited designation as a National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor to carry out its power-line project in western Orange County.

Kelly, who first expressed her opposition to the NYRI proposal when she addressed the Upper Delaware Council on April 30, said she will continue pressing the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to also oppose NYRI's request.

"This is an important decision by the DOE to preserve states' rights and not interfere with this misguided proposal," Kelly said. She also has contacted the chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to express her opposition to the proposed project and to urge the independent agency to similarly reject NYRI's request.

"As you consider New York Regional Interconnect's request for Early Designation of a Constrained Area as a National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor, I strongly encourage the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to reject this proposal," Kelly wrote in a letter to FERC Chairman Joseph Kelliher this week.

"Should the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission grant this designation, the impending result would be in direct contradiction with the Upper Delaware River Management Plan," Kelly wrote. "It would also infringe upon residents and homeowners and unnecessarily disturb and alter some of Orange County's most scenic landscapes forever."

NYRI is applying to construct a 1200-megawatt electric transmission line across a 200-mile span from Oneida County to Orange County, N.Y. The route proposed by NYRI will travel through the federally protected Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River - an area which is part of the National Park Service's National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.

"Additionally, the route proposed by NYRI would bisect the Village of Otisville," Kelly noted to the FERC Chairman. "It is simply not appropriate for power lines of this magnitude to run through the heart of such a small village. You should also be aware of the similar detrimental consequences that this project poses to the Towns of Deerpark, Mount Hope, Wallkill, Hamptonburgh and New Windsor."

Kelly added, "On behalf of all those living along NYRI's proposed path as well as those who enjoy the unspoiled beauty of the federally protected Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational Corridor, I once again strongly encourage you to reject this proposal."

http://suekelly.house.gov/News.asp?ARTICLE3316=18621