Boehlert: Department of Energy Will Take "No Action" on NYRI's Request for Expedited Designation

BOEHLERT: DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY WILL TAKE "NO ACTION" ON NYRI'S REQUEST FOR EXPEDITED DESIGNATION

U.S. Rep. Sherwood Boehlert (R-New Hartford) today announced that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will advise New York Regional Interconnect, Inc. (NYRI) at noon today that its request for expedited designation as a National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor will not be granted.

"The Department of Energy (DOE) will take no action regarding NYRI's request for expedited consideration," Boehlert said. "I spoke with the Secretary of Energy and was assured that DOE will not be a 'siting agency' and has no intention of bypassing State authority. The New York State Public Service Commission will be in the driver's seat and our attention and efforts must be focused on Albany," he added.

In extensive meetings with Energy Secretary Sam Bodman and high-level DOE staff, including Kevin Kolevar, Director, Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, Boehlert was assured that DOE has no intention of usurping state's rights and that the New York State Public Service Commission is the lead authority with jurisdiction over NYRI's proposal.

http://www.house.gov/boehlert/pr_060607_doenoactiononnyris.htm