August 15, 2020
New York, Press releases

NYS DPS Siting Board resignation: Governor’s ad hoc appointee resigns his position amidst controversy

Guilford Coalition of Non-Participating Residents: August 14, 2020

Arthur Christensen, Governor Cuomo’s local ad hoc appointee to the New York State Board on Electric Generation Siting and the Environment (Siting Board) in Case 18-F-0262 (High Bridge Wind Project) has submitted his resignation from the Siting Board in a scathing open letter to NYS-DPS Siting Board Chairman John Rhodes, members of the Siting Board, and Governor Cuomo. In his resignation, Mr. Christensen stated the following:

• “The decision by NYS to accept an ambiguous definition of public interest is manipulative, ill-conceived and puts the common good and general welfare of the communities the Siting Board is charged with protecting in harm’s way.”

• “The Siting Board deciding to develop and accept an incomplete definition of public interest and to willfully misinterpret Section 168 of Article 10 is evidence it has no intention of protecting the welfare of the communities impacted neither by this project nor to fulfill its true responsibility of protecting the public interest. It has no intention of doing its job.”

• “New York State’s desire to become expedient at approving renewable energy projects has also caused it [the Siting Board] to become callous and reckless.”

• “Community participation in the form of ad hoc membership has proven disingenuous and to lack true merit. It seems to be for the sole purpose of offering the appearance that NYS is concerned for the public’s welfare.”

Disclaimer: The Guilford Coalition of Non-Participating Residents (GCNR) issues this press release with full and complete permission of Mr. Christensen. Mr. Christensen has provided his full open letter (attached) for your review. GCNR claims no responsibility as to the accuracy or validity of the claims made by Mr. Christensen.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2020/08/15/nys-dps-siting-board-resignation-governors-ad-hoc-appointee-resigns-his-position-amidst-controversy/

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