Fight Against NYRI Continues

ONEONTA, 12/29/08 -- Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta), in response to the latest development concerning the proposed New York Regional Interconnect (NYRI) power line, is reaffirming his stance against the line, and calling on the state Public Service Commission (PSC) to hold additional public hearings.

Senator Seward, in a letter to the state Public Service Commission, stated “I oppose this project in the strongest possible terms, no matter where it may be built.” Seward said the recommendation from the staff at the PSC to relocate the proposed NYRI power line to the route of the Marcy-South line is unacceptable.

Seward noted that many individuals in Otsego and Herkimer counties may not be aware of the alternate route, and a new series of public hearings should be scheduled in the area affected by the PSC change.

Seward has fought against the power line since the proposal was first announced, and says he will continue his strong opposition. He says the NYRI project will raise utility rates for upstate New York, scar the landscape, and send the wrong message to businesses thinking about relocating to the region.