Story Created:
Apr 7, 2009 at 3:45 PM EST
Story Updated:
Apr 7, 2009 at 4:45 PM EST
ROME, N.Y. (WKTV) - On the heels of the decision by New York Regional Interconnect to pull their application from the Public Service Commission Friday, U.S. Senator Charles Schumer was in Rome to help prevent future problems.
New York's senior senator unveiled a bill that he says will allow the State of New York to have more control over future projects.
On Tuesday, Schumer said New Yorkers should not have to worry about NYRI anymore in the future.
However, because some people are still skeptical, Schumer outlined a plan that gives a large portion of power to the states - something that was absent in the NYRI process.
Schumer said NYRI was defeated because they underestimated the people of the Mohawk Valley.
"I have always said when a community is united, and keeps fighting, they almost always win," Schumer said Tuesday at Mohawk Valley EDGE in Rome.
Schumer said he was in Rome for two reasons - to celebrate the victory over NYRI, and plan for the future.
"The first part of the legislation I am introducing, is to give New York State the final veto authority over any decision FERC makes regarding the location of transmission lines in state." Schumer said.
The U.S. Senator says that final say would come from the Governor, who would be granted veto power. Schumer says the bill also mandates hearings in the communities effected, and forces future power companies to use existing corridors.
It is a plan that many on hand Tuesday applauded.
"I think that is absolutely critical to making sure we do not have to fight this fight three years from now, six months from now. So we're happy he is here, and made this commitment. And we are going to make sure he honors it," said Eve Ann Schwartz the Chairman of the Communities Against Regional Interconnect group.
Schumer says the bill will be part of the Energy Bill, that the Senate will vote on in June.
He says he expects a lot of support for it, and is confident it will get passed.
"As you know, I have a little clout in the Senate these days, and I am going to use that clout to pass this legislation." Schumer said.
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