News Archive - June 2006
Friday June 30, 2006
City schedules hearing on power line moratorium
UTICA — The city will host a public hearing on a proposal to ban construction of a high-voltage power line within city limits for a year at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 11, in the Common Council Chambers at City Hall.
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Thursday June 29, 2006
Clinton and Schumer join the power line debate
Both U.S. senators from New York raised questions and concerns last week about the power line project proposed by New York State Regional Interconnect (NYRI).
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Wednesday June 28, 2006
Remember in November who opposed NYRI
With the upcoming elections in November, and over the next several years, it's important for local voters to remember where state politicians stand right now regarding the New York Regional Interconnect power line proposal.
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County votes $50,000 for power line battle
The Madison County Board of Supervisors held a special meeting Tuesday morning to authorize a $50,000 contribution to help fight a proposed power line running from Utica to Orange County.
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Tuesday June 27, 2006
Eminent domain bill's clout uncertain
Local lawmakers say they hope an eminent domain bill that recently passed the state Legislature has the clout to disrupt plans to construct a 200-mile power line from Marcy to the lower Hudson Valley.
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NYRI plotting next move after setback
The company planning to build a high-voltage power line across a large swath of central New York says it’s regrouping after a week of setbacks, including the passage of legislation that could block the project in Albany.
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Herkimer County asked to contribute to fight power line
Herkimer County will be asked to contribute financially to the fight against New York Regional Interconnect's proposed 200-mile, above-ground power line, although how much is not yet known, said County Administrator James Wallace.
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Monday June 26, 2006
Energy Needs Not as Urgent as Anticipated, City Says
The city will be able to meet its growing power needs for at least four years longer than originally anticipated, potentially delaying the need for new power plants until 2012, according to a Bloomberg administration report to be released today.
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Orange Co. would benefit, but officials concerned
Legislators in the county that would become the southern end of the 1,200-megawatt New York Regional Interconnect line have passed a resolution opposing the plan as it's now laid out.
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A coalition of the wary
Eight Upstate New York counties have agreed to work together to battle the New York Regional Interconnect power line, but there might come a time when conflicting interests pull the coalition apart.
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Rhetoric on power line not enough
AT ISSUE: Gubernatorial hopefuls, U.S. senators must step up.
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State legislators put stumbling block in way of NYRI power line plans
New York Regional Interconnect Inc.'s uphill battle to implement a $1.6 billion high voltage transmission line has gotten significantly steeper following what state legislators are calling a major victory in Albany Friday.
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NYRI Opposition
The New York legislature has passed a bill to prevent New York Regional Interconnect from using eminent domain to take property for its proposed power line.
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Legislation would block power line from use of eminent domain
The state Legislature has passed a measure to help pull the plug on the proposed $1.62 billion power line project that would start in Marcy. It now goes to the governor for consideration.
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Line could lower power supply
New York Regional Interconnect Inc.'s proposed power line would raise the price of wholesale electricity in upstate New York by about 5 percent, according to the company.
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Saturday June 24, 2006
Legislature blocks NYRI's hopes for land grab
Bill disallows eminent domain; battle lies ahead at federal level.
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Friday June 23, 2006
N.Y. senators seek answers on power line
U.S. Sens. Charles Schumer and Hillary Rodham Clinton weighed in for the first time Thursday on the proposed New York Regional Interconnection power line.
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Schumer's power line questions
1 Please provide details of all proposed routes, identify which one is the preferred route and spell out under what circumstances alternative routes might be used.
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NYRI fight escalates further
Let the games begin; Gentlemen, start your engines; Let's get ready to rumble. It appears any battle-commencing slogan could appropriately be applied to the rapidly developing arms race...
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State Senate passes bill to combat NYRI
Senator Meier also had his hand in another bill that passed in the State Senate Friday, a bill that would combat a proposed power-line construction project in the Mohawk Valley.
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Thursday June 22, 2006
Schumer Tells NEWSChannel 2 He Is Against Current Power Line Proposal
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer is pressing the New York Interconnect (NYRI) for detailed answers to questions concerning the company's proposed power line.
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Schumer skeptical of upstate power line to feed NYC suburbs
Sen. Charles Schumer on Thursday challenged a hotly-debated proposal to run a power line through upstate New York to feed the growing electricity demands of the New York City suburbs.
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Power line could jolt chip plant
Mohawk Valley EDGE is stepping up its opposition to a proposed high-voltage transmission line, which could cut through a proposed computer chip plant site in Marcy.
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Dispute over NYRI power line heats up Prominent lobbyist hired to offset growing opposition
The fight over the New York Regional Interconnect power-line project has moved from the grass roots into the halls of government.
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Five state senators express opposition to power line
Five senators expressed open opposition to the power lines proposed by New York Regional Interconnect (NYRI) at a New York State Senate hearing on June 15.
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Compensation won't make up for line woes
Pierce touted a $30 million local economic benefit of the proposed power line through the city of Utica and points south.
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Wednesday June 21, 2006
Senate bill wouldn't allow power company to use eminent domain
Representatives from New York Regional Interconnect estimate they will need to acquire $70 million dollars in private property to span a 190-mile high power line from Marcy to Rock Tavern.
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Power Line Puts Marcy Chip Fab Site's Billion Dollar Potential In Question
Mohawk Valley EDGE, the local group that promotes the Marcy chip fabrication site to potential developers, says New York Regional Interconnect's power line proposal would tear right through the Marcy site.
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Group against line names Eve Shwartz as vice chair
Earlville resident Eve Ann Shwartz has been appointed as a vice chair of a steering committee set up by officials from eight counties where New York Regional Interconnect wants to build a $1.5 billion high-voltage power line.
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NYRI impacted counties form opposition coalition
The counties that would be impacted by a high-voltage power line proposed by New York Regional Interconnect, Inc., Tuesday banded together to oppose the project.
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Tuesday June 20, 2006
80 attend Frankfort power-line meeting
About 80 people attended a forum Monday at the Frankfort-Schuyler High School auditorium to discuss the proposed New York Regional Interconnect power line, the first meeting if its kind in Herkimer County.
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Bill targets eminent domain
A state Senator representing part of New York Regional Interconnect's proposed power line route has introduced legislation to block the privately-owned company from using eminent domain.
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County might pay to fight power line
Madison County lawmakers today will consider giving $50,000 to legal battle.
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Bonacic, Lupardo look to prevent power line
State Sen. John J. Bonacic, R-Mount Hope, said Monday that he has introduced legislation to prohibit New York Regional Interconnect from using eminent domain to advance its proposed $1.62 billion power line project.
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NYRI impacted counties form opposition coalition
The counties that would be impacted by a high-voltage power line proposed by New York Regional Interconnect, Inc., Tuesday banded together to oppose the project.
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Monday June 19, 2006
Make leaders take a stand on power line
It might not be a big political risk for state Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno to publicly oppose New York Regional Interconnect's proposed power line through this region.
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Subject: STOP NYRI POWER LINE UPDATE
An e-mail update from Senator Raymond A. Meier regarding the Senate hearing in Norwich.
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Alternative Route for Power Line Would Travel Through Frankfort
When New York Regional Interconnect filed its application for a power line with the State Public Service Commission it included two routes.
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Sunday June 18, 2006
How to join the fight
Anyone who wants an active part in the battle over the massive New York Regional Interconnect power line project had better act fast.
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Downstate power needs surge
For local residents, the ins and outs of statewide energy use patterns seem minor compared to the possibility of a 1,200-megawatt power line in their backyards.
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Give and take on power line
Members of the state Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee and senators who represent areas along the proposed route questioned representatives from New York Regional Interconnect at a hearing Thursday night in Norwich.
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Let New York City take care of its own needs
Why, once again, do we upstate families have to fund a power line for New York City? It will cost us money and endanger our health.
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Power plan cuts across Sullivan
Carlton Sutliff raises Golden Guernsey cows, drives an old Case tractor and bales hay. His family has lived on his 100-acre farm in western Sullivan County for more than a century.
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Power line plan sparks criticism
A proposed power line from Utica to Orange County could mean higher electricity rates for area residents, but officials at the company who will build the line say the increases will be minimal.
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Saturday June 17, 2006
8 counties join forces to fight proposed power line
The eight counties targeted for a 1,200-megawatt power line are organizing to fight what local officials say could be a $1 million battle.
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Hundreds gather for powerline hearing
About 450 people attended a state senate energy hearing Thursday night in Norwich. The main topic of discussion was New York Regional Interconnect's proposed 200 mile powerline.
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Friday June 16, 2006
More questions, few answers at power line hearing
In stern words, state senators peppered proposed power line developers with questions and expressed dismay about getting few answers during a hearing that attracted close to 450 people.
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NYRI: 5% price hike for upstate
Upstate New Yorkers will pay more for electricity while people downstate will pay less if a power line proposed by New York Regional Interconnect is built.
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Utica rally reinforces power-line opposition
Marianne Newman of New Hartford believes a unified regional voice is the only way to fight the installation of a 1,200-megawatt power line in her community.
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Senate Hearing in Norwich
STOP NYRI Leader Brings Crowd to its Feet; NYRI's 'Independent Contractors' Get Grilled
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Power line firm scraps second info session for Norwich
New York Regional Interconnect said Thursday that it will not schedule another public information session in Norwich as promised.
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Otisville gathers to fight line plan
They journeyed from western Sullivan County and eastern Orange County to stop the power line that would run through their land.
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Click here to view the photo gallery.
Voices from The Line
People along the 200 Miles of NYRI's Proposed 400-KV Line Tell Their Stories. A Radio Free Hamilton Audio Exclusive.
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NYRI officials grilled at Senate hearing
There was concern among some at the beginning of Thursday night's senate hearing with New York Regional Interconnect that a trio of power company officials wouldn't be under oath.
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Public reacts to NYRI comments at hearing
There were an estimated 500 people at Thursday night's Senate Energy and Telecommunication Committee hearing regarding New York Regional Interconnect Inc.'s proposed power line.
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What is your opinion?
Readers respond: What is your opinion on the proposed New York Regional Interconnection powerline project for our region?
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Cold reception in Norwich
Power line projects like the one proposed from Marcy to New Windsor rarely receive warm welcomes.
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County Executive Diana Opposes NYRI Power Line
County Executive Edward Diana attended the NYRI Power Line Rally in Otisville last night. He addressed an audience of approximately 900 people and expressed his concerns regarding the NYRI Power Line.
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Thursday June 15, 2006
Revere puts it on the line: Power = jobs
Manufacturing trade groups were in Albany today urging Gov. George Pataki and state legislators to secure the future of the state's low-cost power programs.
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Bruno says he won't support power line
State Sen. Majority Leader Joseph Bruno said Wednesday he opposes a power line that would pass through the region — and his influence provides a major boost to opponents of the line.
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Wednesday June 14, 2006
Planning Dept. busy with NYRI opposition
The county's planning and development personnel are spending 95 percent of their working days gathering and disseminating information and coordinating various gatherings...
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Monday June 12, 2006
County will plug $50,000 into power line fight
The county is prepared to put some financial muscle behind the fight against the controversial high-voltage power line that would start in Marcy and stretch through Utica and towns south to downstate's Orange County 200 miles away.
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Sunday June 11, 2006
Candidates can't waffle on power line
Memo to candidates for New York's politicians and governor wanna-bes: Make sure you understand how important an issue the siting of a power line is to the Mohawk Valley.
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Saturday June 10, 2006
Experts: Eminent domain a threat
A pair of experts say the company proposing a 200-mile high-voltage power line could use eminent domain law to take local property for the project.
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Friday June 9, 2006
NYRI Spokesman Speaks to NEWSChannel 2
NEWSChannel 2 reporter Pat Bailey talked with the spokesman for New York Regional Interconnect, Jon Pierce. Among the questions asked included the companies plans on a return to the Mohawk Valley, and certain benefits Oneida County residents will get from the project.
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Local Man Harmed by Marcy South Speaks Out About Power Lines
When Sheldon Hansel first started the fight to keep Marcy South out of his backyard. Hay and cattle were the only things grown or raised on his farm.
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Powerful History: NYRI would disrupt historial markers
New York Regional Interconnect Inc. has provided the statistics, but the numbers may not measure the affect its direct current transmission line could have on the historical integrity and identity of Chenango County.
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Thursday June 8, 2006
Power line developer sees setback
The U.S. Department of Energy won't give power line developers an early designation as a "National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor" ‾ preserving the state's say in any decision.
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Wednesday, June 7, 2006
NYRI line to cost more that projected
A budget for the New York Regional Interconnect power line projects the cost to be more than 50 percent higher than project sponsors have been saying.
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Power-line opponents to present
Members of the Upper Delaware Preservation Coalition, a group that opposes construction of the $1 billion New York Regional Interconnect power line, will speak at a meeting from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday at Sherburne-Earlville High School.
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Tuesday, June 6, 2006
500 pack meeting for powerline fight update
Meetings of a Sauquoit-based group that opposes a proposed power line are getting bigger and bigger.
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Teamwork needed to zap power line
The recent outcry against New York Regional Interconnect's plans to construct a 1200-megawatt power transmission line has met stiff resistance.
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Monday, June 5, 2006
Julian plans to propose law halting power line
Mayor Tim Julian said Sunday he will propose a local law to the Common Council Wednesday that would halt construction of high-voltage power lines within city limits.
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Sunday, June 4, 2006
Where they stand on the proposed power line
Here's a look at how officials and candidates at different levels of government are responding to the New York Regional Interconnect proposal.
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NYRI pledges funds for area
In trying to avoid the federally protected Upper Delaware corridor, New York Regional Interconnect has charted a course straight through another wildlife preserve.
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Saturday, June 3, 2006
Power project raises serious questions
NYRI, a recently formed corporation in New York, has never completed a similar project, and therefore we question its ability to complete this project safely.
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Friday, June 2, 2006
State, local officials unite in fight against power line
Officials representing at least five counties met Thursday to develop a strategy to fight a 200-mile power line that could pass through their communities.
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Thursday, June 1, 2006
South Utica chosen for power line route
New York Regional Interconnect has chosen its power line route, and now South Utica, New Hartford and neighboring communities are gearing up for a fight.
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