July 13, 2006
HAMILTON – STOP NYRI, the citizens group in Madison and Chenango counties, praises Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton for opposing the designation of New York regional Interconnect, Inc’s (NYRI) as a National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor (NIETC). The local organization opposing the 200-mile-long, 400,000-volt electric transmission line asks Senator Clinton to come out in complete opposition to the project at its upcoming rally.
We reiterate our invitation to Senator Clinton to attend our rally in support of and solidarity with the people and Village of Sherburne at noon on Saturday, July 22. There will be a seat on the platform for her and a place in the program for her to speak if she attends. This would be the ideal place for her to announce her total opposition to NYRI.
It is refreshing to read Senator Clinton’s letter to Department of Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman when it says:
“The proposed route for the NYRI has a number of problems, including that it cuts through a portion of the Delaware River valley that is federally recognized under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. In addition, it runs through historically designated sites, environmentally significant habitats, residential and high traffic recreational areas, and will certainly have a detrimental effect on the ability of communities to attract business and foster economic development."
We are pleased that Senator Clinton is listening to groups like ours and thousands of individuals along the proposed route of this monstrosity and asking NYRI not be allowed to take shortcuts around the will of the people and the laws of New York state.
Likewise, we ask that she also hear, and act upon, our request to stop NYRI in its tracks. Just as the NYRI power line should not be designated an NIETC, neither should it be allowed to forever scar the face of Upstate New York and destroy the environment, local economies, property values and the homes of thousands of family.