Story Created:
Oct 2, 2006 at 5:44 PM EST
Story Updated:
Sep 13, 2007 at 1:29 PM EST
Around 3:00 this afternoon, Governor Pataki made a stop at SUNY I.T. to sign important legislation concerning the power line proposal. The proposed project, if built, would trample over several Central New York communities. With several local legislatures on hand, both democrat and republican, the governor signed his name to a bill that will limit New York Regional Interconnect's use of eminent domain to build the 200 mile power line, from Marcy to Orange County.
This move does not necessarily end NYRI's attempt to build the power line, which would be used to power downstate New York. However, it does put a major hurdle in the company's path.
CLICK HERE for Governor Pataki Signing the Bill
CLICK HERE for Remarks from Governor Pataki
CLICK HERE for Comments from Senator Ray Meier
CLICK HERE for a Speech by Oneida County Executive Joe Griffo
CLICK HERE for Comments from Assemblywoman RoAnn Destito
CLICK HERE for Comments from Mike Steiger, of the Upstate NY Citizen's Alliance
Press Release from Governor Pataki's Office:
Under the State Transportation Corporations Law, gas and electric corporations have "the power and authority to acquire such real estate as may be necessary for its corporate purposes and the right-of-way through any property in the manner prescribed by the eminent domain procedures law."
This legislation signed into law by Governor Pataki, will amend the Transportation Corporations Law to prohibit gas and electric merchant transmission corporations from using eminent domain if:
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The transmission company commences and ends in New York State
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The construction of power transmission lines will increase electric rates in any part of the State
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The corporation applied for but did not receive early designation as a national interest electric transmission corridor under the Federal Energy Policy Act of 2005.
The new law takes effect immediately.
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