From New York to Virginia, residents face the prospect of new high-voltage line construction after an announcement last week by the Department of Energy.
Now, East Coast lawmakers are banding together in a bid to short-circuit the federal decision making it easier for power companies to build major power lines like the New York Regional Interconnect.
The agency proposed a “national interest electric transmission corridor” giving the federal government new authority to approve lines even if local or state officials object.
On Thursday, a group of lawmakers said they would try to use the annual spending bill for water and energy to bar the government from going forward with the corridor plan.
Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman said action was needed because the current grid “is aging and stressed.” But Hudson Valley Congressman Maurice Hinchey said the solution should be to develop more renewable energy, like wind and solar power.
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/05/04/lawmakers-fight-electric-line-expansions-in-ny-pa-and-va/