Congresswoman Gillibrand's Statement of Support for More Public Hearings on Energy Corridor through Upstate New York

Press Release

Congresswoman Gillibrand's Statement of Support for More Public Hearings on Energy Corridor through Upstate New York

Today, local Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand made the following comments on Governor Spitzer's announcement about petitions on behalf of New York State to the Department of Energy, concerning the National Interest Electric Corridor designation for forty-seven counties in New York State:

"I thank the Governor for his leadership on this very important issue. The character of upstate communities must be protected for future generations. Allowing federal eminent domain laws to preempt State Environmental Laws that protect our upstate communities is unwise and unfair.

I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure that we support policies that strengthen our regional energy supply,
but not at the expense of our upstate communities."

The Congresswoman is a cosponsor of H.R. 809, which repeals the section from the 2005 Energy Act that provides federal eminent domain for the designation of national interest electric corridors.

As part of the Energy & Water Appropriations Bill, Congresswoman Gillibrand voted in favor of an amendment to place a one-year moratorium on funding for this program to allow for an increased comment period and review of the environmental and economic effects on the communities of upstate New York.

In May, 2007, Congresswoman Gillibrand sent a letter to DOE Secretary Bodman requesting that an additional public hearing be held in upstate New York, commenting that the communities of the Hudson Valley and Capital District would be the most affected by this designation.

DOE only held two hearing in New York, located in New York City and Rochester.

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