Senator Panepinto Unveils Legislation To Address Fiscal Fallout Of Huntley Announcement

TONAWANDA, N.Y. -- Today, Senator Marc Panepinto stood with Tonawanda Town Supervisor Anthony Caruana and Town Board Members as he unveiled legislation (S.6015A) to tackle the financial fallout created by the potential shuttering of the Huntley Station Power Plant. Following an initial announcement by NRG in August, the plant was most recently deemed unnecessary by the New York System Operator (NYISO) on October 30.

In the event of such closures, Senate Bill S.6012, established a fund of up to $19 million to aid municipalities and school districts facing revenue loss following a closure of a fossil fuel electric generating facility in the community.

Senator Panepinto recently introduced legislation S.6015A to expand access to this fund, providing eligibility for financial relief to municipalities and school districts facing revenue loss in the community, as in the Town of Tonawanda. Today, Senator Panepinto called on his colleagues in the Senate to prioritize the bill come the 2016 legislative session.

“Our taxpayers cannot be left to shoulder such a debilitating financial burden,” said Senator Panepinto. “With millions of dollars and jobs at stake, it is more crucial than ever that we provide an appropriate solution. I am calling on my fellow lawmakers to prioritize this sensible piece of legislation as we enter the 2016 legislative session to ensure quality of life for all.”

Already faced with financial strain as a result of diminished PILOT payments over time, the Town of Tonawanda stands to lose close to $6 million annually, should the Huntley Power Station cease operations.

“We the taxing jurisdictions, the Town of Tonawanda, KenTon School District, Erie County, the ECIDA, thank you, Senator Panepinto, for your efforts to clear up the “vague” language in the Senate Bill in Just Transition,” said Tonawanda Town Supervisor Anthony Caruana. “By clarifying the PILOT payments impact and eliminating restrictive language it will provide us a better chance of receiving the funding to offset the losses expected to occur. Concerns including not only tax revenue for taxpayers and businesses, but also the loss of good paying jobs, the potential to weaken power distribution to our area in the event of massive power outages and the potential impact to our homeland and hometown security. Senator, we hope you will continue your efforts to ensure all these issues can be addressed to the best interest of all. Thank you for your efforts.”

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