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Clinton and Schumer quiet on NYRI power lines
Schumer’s staff is studying the issue
Daily Star
June 1, 2006
 By FRITZ MAYER

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY — New York Senators Hillary Clinton and Charles Schumer have both expressed keen interest in energy matters, but neither has expressed a position on the 180-mile power line that New York Regional Interconnect (NYRI) would like to construct through eight New York counties, including Sullivan, Delaware and Orange.

Clinton, who is up for re-election this year and is considered a leading presidential candidate for 2008, has put energy matters at the forefront of her agenda. In a speech at the National Press Club last week, she outlined a major energy initiative that would create a strategic energy fund to promote the growth of renewable sources of energy. Her office, however, did not respond to requests to state her position on the NYRI project.

In recent months, Schumer has also addressed energy matters. In a statement issued at the end of April, Schumer said, “We need to develop new energy sources¾a crash program for alternatives, a Manhattan Project.” His staff, too, declined to respond to questions about the power lines.

At a news conference regarding an unrelated issue, Jean Bordewich, Schumer’s Hudson Valley Regional director, said Schumer is aware of the matter, but his staff is just beginning to study it. She said he might not develop a position on the power line project for several months.

A Washington observer noted that taking a position on the power lines is not as easy for Schumer and Clinton as it is for politicians with smaller districts, such as Congressman Maurice Hinchey or New York State Senator John Bonacic. The senators represent the entire state, which includes downstate residents and interests that might stand to benefit from the power lines.

Local politicians increasing activity

Meanwhile, local politicians along the length of the 180-mile line continue to develop strategies to stop the project. The Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin reported on Thursday that 40 local government officials and state lawmakers gathered and pledged to join forces and hire an attorney to wage a legal battle. Senator Raymond Meier, whose district includes Oneida County, reportedly said the group “needs to get someone who rips people’s hearts out for a living.”

It promises to be a tough battle in any case. Steven Blow, a lawyer for the Public Service Commission, which will have a say in whether the project moves forward, told the newspaper, “I know of no major project of this type that has been stopped by public opposition.”