March 7, 2008

For Immediate Release:

STOP NYRI Condemns Final NIETC Designation by DOE

STOP NYRI condemns the Department Of Energy’s (DOE) final designation on March 6th of the Mid-Atlantic Area as an official National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor.  (See DOE press release below.) 

These designations would remain in place for 12 years. In addition to encompassing most of 8 northeastern states, the corridor includes 47 of New York’s 62 counties, or a total of 76% of the property in New York State.

NIET Corridors represent an already outdated approach to energy management. Since the 2005 Energy Act was conceived, NY and many of its neighbors have adopted forward-looking energy policy that uses green technology and conservation to save taxpayers money and boosts their state’s economy. NIETCs prolong our dependence on dirty coal and undermine green environmental standards. 

In addition, NIETCs will:

• Usurp states' rights to regulate what goes on within their boundaries

• Allow for-profit corporations to take private property by Eminent Domain

• Destroy recreational, cultural and historic sites throughout the State of New York

The DOE claims to have carefully reviewed the corridors and listened to citizen’s concerns about the designations. In reality, the DOE hearings were a farce with meetings held during working hours hundreds of miles away from impacted areas. Clearly the only voices that were heard during these “hearings” were those of private companies in the energy industry, such as NYRI, that stand to profit from building new transmission facilities.

Together with other members of the CARI coalition, our citizen groups, and our elected representatives, we will take legal action to challenge the designations and protect our homes and businesses from the use of federal eminent domain by private for-profit corporations like NYRI.  We stand united to protect the rights of all New Yorkers against the incursion of federally-imposed projects and in support of New York State's right  to determine its own energy policy.

Submitted by:
Chris Rossi
Co-chair STOP NYRI
Hubbardsville, NY
315-691-5353
chrisnicky<at>yahoo<dot>com

For more information visit www.stopnyri.info