Senator Gipson Continues to Fight Against Federal Capacity Zones

For Immediate Release: April 24, 2014
Media Contact: Jonathan Heppner | 845.463.0840 | heppner@nysenate.gov

SENATOR GIPSON CONTINUES TO FIGHT AGAINST FEDERAL CAPACITY ZONES

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – New York State Senator Terry Gipson (D-Dutchess, Putnam) continues to urge the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) to halt their proposed federally mandated capacity zones. Senator Gipson has opposed the capacity zones since the plans onset. He issued an official letter to FERC and NYISO on March 6 urging them to stop the capacity zones, and recently held a conference call with Ms. Cheryl LaFleur, Acting Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Chairman LeFleur listened to Senator Gipson’s concerns, but was not permitted to officially comment since the plan is still pending.

“I urge the Federal Government to listen to our community. Local leaders at all levels of government and residents continue to make it clear that the proposed capacity zones would be a harsh and unfair blow to hardworking families and businesses in the Hudson Valley.

“Increasing Hudson Valley resident’s energy bills to incentivize new energy providers to better service New York City is unconscionable and simply the wrong thing for New York State. I will not let my voice rest on this issue, and will continue to work with anyone to fight against this misguided plan.”