TOWN OF RICHLAND
H. DOUGLAS BARCLAY COURT HOUSE
I BRIDGE STREET
PULASKI, NEW YORK 13142
June 12, 2012 TEL. (315) 298-5174 FAX. (315) 298-7348
The Honorable Jaclyn A. Brilling
Secretary, NYS Public Service Commission
Three Empire State Plaza
Albany, NY 12223-1350
Re: Case 12-F-0036, In the Matter of the Rules and Regulations of the Board on Electric Generation
Siting and the Environment
Dear Secretary Brilling:
The Richland town board would like to express our concerns regarding the legislation amending the Public Service Law by adding a new Article 10, which establishes a New York State Board on electric generation siting and the environment. The siting board will have the authority to permit the placement
of electrical generating facilities within townships throughout New York State including the town ofRichland with little or no input from those municipalities it affects.
The Town of Richland has adopted a comprehensive plan that includes economic development; however it does not include or exclude electric generating facilities. Our vision includes small business growth which is the foundation of our country.
The Town of Richland is heavily reliant upon the Lake Ontario sport fishery. The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation estimates the total economic impact from angler activities (2007) in Oswego County at $42,623,006.
Since electric generating facilities include industrial wind turbines, the Town of Richland feels the turbine complexes, whether in water or on land, will have a negative impact on the town of Richland landowners, homeowners and businesses, including potential effects on real estate value, scenic vistas, quality of life, tourism, hospitality and the recreation industry. Also, the research regarding noise and vibration from turbines is a serious threat to the health and safety of the community. Studies show that children, especially with autism, are the most affected. These children are less able to communicate and express themselves to doctors or parents as to why they feel the way they do.
If under Article 10 a community's local laws are supplanted by the siting board and a project is then forced on a community, we would expect the PSC would then assume responsibility for assessing compliance, resolving complaints, decommissioning and any other such similar requirements. It would seem appropriate that some mention of this responsibility would make its way into the siting rules.
Excellent letter. Thank you Mr. Krupke. You have summerized the windmill threat very well. And our representatives in State Government are supposed to be looking our for the people. What a disappointment they are!
ReplyDeleteGood letter Mr. Krupke. Your last paragraph makes a great deal of sense and thank you for copying it from the last paragraph of the Town of Cape Vincent's letter to the PSC dated May 25, 2012.
ReplyDeleteThe objections to Article X are piling up.
ReplyDeleteAny candidate for public office who does not support local rule will suffer the wrath of the voters.
Village and town of Cape candidates will have to take a stand and support local or lose.
Local rule is a basic concept of Democracy. If a candidate does not understand that, they have no right in public office.