Statement by Governor Eliot Spitzer Regarding Federal Decision to Include New York Counties in National Energy Corridor

Statement

STATEMENT BY GOVERNOR ELIOT SPITZER REGARDING FEDERAL DECISION TO INCLUDE NEW YORK COUNTIES IN NATIONAL ENERGY CORRIDOR

I was disappointed to learn today that the federal Department of Energy (DOE) has designated 47 counties in New York State as part of a National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor.

This designation will allow the federal government to preempt New York's legitimate oversight and process for reviewing and siting transmission projects within our state borders. Article VII of the New York Public Service Law, which establishes an efficient one-stop process for reviewing applications to build transmission facilities, includes a mechanism for studying the environmental impact of a proposed facility on localities and provides a forum for stakeholders to express support for or opposition to proposed projects. New York's process is not a barrier to transmission projects -- indeed, seventeen transmission projects have received approval under the Article VII process over the past ten years, and several more projects are presently under consideration. Transmission upgrades are necessary in New York to improve the reliability and safety of our electric grid and the state is in the best position to make determinations about future investments.

We will work together with the state Public Service Commission to evaluate DOE's decision to determine whether there is a legal basis for a rehearing.

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