Politicians Oppose NYRI Power Lines
By Fritz Mayer

Issues pit agency against agency in Washinton

UPPER DELAWARE RIVER VALLEY — The effort by New York Regional Interconnect (NRYI) to bring high voltage power lines to the Upper Delaware River Valley is being opposed by lawmakers in Washington, D.C., Albany and locally.

In Washington, the issue of the power lines pits the Department of Energy (DOE) against the National Park Service (NPS). Chris White, an aide to congressman Maurice Hinchey, said the conflict arises because the proposed route would take the power lines down the river corridor. The Upper Delaware is part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, and therefore the NPS would have the authority to block the construction of power lines along the river banks because power lines have been designated an “incompatible use” in the river management plan.

However, the energy bill passed by congress in 2005 has changed the regulations regarding high voltage power lines nationwide. It is now possible for the DOE to designate certain routes as National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors (NIETC), which would bypass many of the environmental hurdles associated with the installation of such lines.

Wendy Darwell, another Hinchey aide, said “it’s not at all clear” that the DOE has greater authority in the matter than the NPS. Hinchey, she said, believes that the concerns of the NPS in protecting the river trump those of the DOE. She said if that view prevails in Washington, it would bring “an early end” to the whole question of power lines in the river valley.

As proposed to New York State authorities in Albany, the project has an alternative route through Sullivan County that would move it to the east of the river along the route of the millennium pipeline. White said it appears that NYRI did not apply for NIETC status for the alternate route; therefore, it seemed clear that NYRI is actually most interested in routing the lines along the river. A representative from NYRI did not return a call seeking clarification about the status of the alternative route.

The Albany reaction

In Albany, Senator John Bonacic said that while the goal of bringing more electricity to an area that needs it is laudable, he will “be advocating for a less intrusive route.” He said, “It’s very early in the process, and a lot of public input will be forthcoming before any decision is made,” but he is not in favor of power lines along the river valley. Like many residents in the area, he questioned whether bringing a line through a rural part of Sullivan County is the best route to take.

Several local activists have suggested that the public would be better served if the lines were brought along existing highways such as the New York State Thruway or Route 17.

The local reaction

Sal Indelicato, Cochecton supervisor, said that he has not heard a lot about the matter from constituents. He said he opposes any lines in the town, but if one had to come this way, he would prefer that it be along the river. He said he would not like to see the lines running through the center of Cochecton.

James Greier, Fremont supervisor, said he has not been officially contacted by anyone about the matter. He said the residents of the town were already living with the Marcy Lines running through their town, and no one is interested in seeing more lines come through.

On Monday night, the Tusten Planning Board voted to oppose the power lines because they would diminish the attractiveness of the scenic byway. Board members also expressed health concerns.

Chris Cunningham, chairman of the Sullivan County Legislature, whose district includes the towns of Tusten and Cochecton, said he has met with NRYI representative Jonathan Pierce in a meet-and-greet session. He said he told Pierce that NYRI had a lot of questions to answer regarding environmental and other concerns. Cunningham said he understands the need to transfer electricity throughout the state, but the concerns of the local residents must be addressed. Cunningham told Pierce that the county would insist on local hearings.

As for putting the lines through the river corridor, Cunningham said, “it’s the wrong place.”


The River Reporter April 20th, 2006