May 7 2013
Empire state
Plaza
Agency Building 3
Albany, NY
12223
Dear Mr.
Brown,
I
am writing to express opposition to BP Wind Energy's initiation of an Article
10 process for their Cape Vincent wind project, and to urge the New York State
Public service commission (NYSPSC) to respect the local community's decision-making process
concerning future energy development and infrastructure.
As
you know the initiation of the Article 10 process in the Town of Cape Vincent
has caused great concern among many of my constituents. Not only does it allow
the state to supersede local community zoning regulations when it comes to the
siting of power projects, but it also tramples the right of citizens to
make their own determination on the best interest of the community.
While Article 10 of the power New York act attempts to streamline New York's
decision-making process with respect to the construction and operation of new,
modified, and re-power generating facilities, it fails to properly do so in
coordination with local leaders and communities. This lack of consideration is
evidenced in BP's Preliminary Scoping Statement, as it failed to meet several
state requirements, used a half-century old map for its turbine site plan, and
responded to many of the local comments and questions by simply stating they
would be addressed in the permit application.
I believe
New York has tremendous potential to attract new jobs and businesses with clean,
low-cost power, and I gladly support such efforts, however deference in the
siting process should be given to the local community. As we move forward, I
urge the NYSPSC to allow the citizens who hold an intimate stake in the region
to have a significant role in deciding which future energy source best serves
the interest of their community.
Very truly
yours,
Bill Owens
Member of Congress
9 comments:
Thank you Congressman Owens for listening to your constituents.
It's about time. A silent voice finally speaks on our behalf.
Addie Russell has also been very silent. But her actions have been very supportive. Same with Patty. As a true blue democrat I can express my sincere embarrassment for what Darrell Aubertine and Harold Wiley's pro wind caucus has put this town through. I hope the dirty dems step aside, let the present board get this matter resolved and then we can get back to normal politics and get out from under the past decade of Bee Pee nastiness.
This is our democrat leader speaking. However, the Cape Democrat chair has publicly stated that the town board should allow the Art x to take over and the town board should not resist. I think it is time for Darrell Aubettine and Harold and his committee to step aside and hope some young folks who understand democracy take over and learn the ropes. Ethically, of course.
Oh, Oh!
The Cape Dems have a problem. Does Owens realize that State Ag Commish Aubertine is a supporter of Art X? And, the Cape Democratic Chair? Does he know that both want Darrell's son who has no experience in public service to serve on the town board. Does he know that Darrell's son claimed wind was behind us and he would heal the community if he was elected? Who in our Cape dem party is now going to call up Bill and tell him wind is behind us and they support art. x?
Thanks Mr. Owens for defending a community's right to home rule EVEN IF IT IS RUN BY REPUBLICANS at this time. I respect that.
Mr. Owens is a political machine and loves his job. Apparently his advisors and peers like Gillibrand and Schumer have come to the realization that industrial wind is out of favor and if they don't speak against those who want to ruin the Golden Crescent and the Thousand Islands their political careers will suffer. All politics is local and if you don't realize that, you will lose just like the former State Senator. The Congressman did not just fall off the turnip truck and make this important decision without good advice.
Justin Taylor take note. A Congressman has just disagreed with your way of thinking on yours and Jenny's project. There are people out here who don't want it and we will be heard.
"Mr. Owens is a political machine and loves his job"
I don't care what his motivation may have been ,he just went up several notches in my estimation.
He may even take some heat from the Nat. Dems. for this. the "Bam" won't like this little suggestion of allowing lowly communities to decide yea or nay on renewable energy projects. How can he ram his Nat.energy policy down the throat of the nation with rogue Congressman championing Home Rule rights?
Kudos to Bill Owens!!
Owens said....
"This lack of consideration is evidenced in BP's Preliminary Scoping Statement, as it failed to meet several state requirements, used a half-century old map for its turbine site plan, and responded to many of the local comments and questions by simply stating they would be addressed in the permit application."
He backs up what the Town of Cape Vincent committee, Paul Curtain and the Town Board and planning board have been saying all along.
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