Hinchey Reiterates Opposition to NYRI Proposal

Hinchey Reiterates Opposition to NYRI Proposal

DOE Congestion Study Released; Hinchey Vows
To Continue Fight Against Power Line Proposal

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) today reiterated his strong opposition to a proposal by New York Regional Interconnect (NYRI) to construct a high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line from Marcy in Oneida County to New Windsor in Orange County. In response to the release today of the National Electric Transmission Congestion Study by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Hinchey noted that this study did not specifically address nor bolster NYRI's current proposal and that he vowed to continue to vigorously oppose any federal actions or designations that would expedite or facilitate the power line project.

The Department of Energy study finds that the Atlantic coastal area from metropolitan New York southward through northern Virginia is experiencing critical electric transmission congestion. The study further finds that New York City and the lower Hudson Valley are experiencing continued growth in electricity demand and facing severe constraints in electricity transmission capacity.

While noting that the study's conclusions were certainly not a surprise, Hinchey said that the study does not take any actions that would designate National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors (NIETC), which could facilitate new transmission facility proposals. The DOE will now begin accepting public comments on the study and will then consider the possible designation of NIETC corridors by the end of 2006. Hinchey plans to submit a formal comment to the Department of Energy expressing his concerns about any NIETC designation through or near the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreation River, a federally protected corridor recognized for its extraordinary scenic, environmental, recreational, cultural and historic assets.

Hinchey noted, "While New York State does need to address the reliability of its electric transmission system, it needs to be done in an environmentally responsible manner that respects the rights of local communities and property owners and that serves the public interest. The NYRI proposal does not meet that standard, and I will continue to oppose any federal effort or designation that would preempt New York State's jurisdiction on the siting and permitting of transmission lines."

Hinchey previously wrote to the DOE opposing the request from NYRI for an early federal NIETC designation that could have expedited and facilitated the construction of a high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line through the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River corridor. The DOE responded to Hinchey that they would not take immediate action on the NYRI request for early designation, and even in the event of a future NIETC designation, the project's applicant would still have to go through local, state, and federal review and permitting process before it could begin construction of a power line. The DOE indicated that it would consider NIETC designations after the release of the National Congestion Study and subsequent public comment period.

Hinchey noted that electricity constraints in areas of lower New York State could also be met through aggressive federal and state policies promoting demand-side management of electricity as well as development of alternative renewable energy sources. Hinchey is the coauthor of the Energy For Our Future Act, which would provide increased federal funding for energy efficiency upgrades and renewable energy. The bill would promote and fund home weatherization, energy-efficiency upgrades for residential and commercial buildings, expansion of the EnergyStar program to encourage use of energy efficient appliances, and expansion of tax incentives for energy efficient appliances and renewable energy use. The bill would also require electric utilities to increase their use of wind, solar and other renewable energy sources to 20 percent by 2030 and institute nationally "net metering," which requires utilities to purchase excess energy produced renewable energy sources at residential and business properties.

"It is vital to both our state's economic and environmental future that we deal effectively and responsibly with our growing energy needs. Rather than promoting large scale energy projects that will scar our local landscapes and compromise our environment, the federal government should be taking action to reduce demand by significantly boosting energy efficiency programs and energy conservation initiatives, and to promote the use and development of clean, renewable energy sources," Hinchey said. "Such a policy would not only reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and lower pollutants that contribute to global warming but would also spur economic growth through job creation and investment in alternative clean technologies and efficiency improvements across our economy. A cleaner, more decentralized energy system that incorporates common sense conservation methods would ensure affordable electricity in the long-term and also better respect the concerns of local communities and businesses that unanimously oppose the proposed high voltage lines running through their areas."

The DOE's electricity congestion study and the creation of the federal NIETC designation requested by NYRI were mandated in the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which Hinchey strongly opposed and voted against.

http://www.house.gov/list/press/ny22_hinchey/morenews/080806nyri.html