Morning Read: More wind power control shifts to Albany
The Watertown Daily Times is reporting that Governor Cuomo has signed legislation that gives more authority to Albany, and less control to local communities where big wind farms are being considered.
The epicenter of wind power fights will take place in Albany, instead of local municipal boards, now that Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has signed the “Power NY” act.
The law, which Mr. Cuomo signed amid fanfare at the state Capitol Thursday, would create a one-year permitting process controlled by the state for power plant projets of 25 megawatts or more. Wind power projects under consideration in the north country exceed that threshold.
The WDT notes that the North Country’s Albany delegation voted no on the legislation, because “they said they feared the lack of local control.”
So what do you think? Is this important streamlining that will lead to more alternative energy? Or is this a case or rural North Country towns losing some of their autonomy?
It’s a power grab, plain and simple. Does anyone know if this means Albany also now can dictate the specific terms of these agreements? For instance, lease agreements with landowners, PILOT terms, etc.? If so, people should be outraged by this legislation. I’d also like to know where the hell the media was as this legislation made its way though the Assembly and Senate.
I would add that there’s far better means of increasing the use of alternative energy. First and foremost, break the strangle hold of the public utilities. Eliminate the protectionist “net metering” garbage and pass legislation requiring “feed in tariffs.” Thereby creating an incentive for small time producers and homeowners to sell their electricity to the grid. As much electricity as they can produce. Not only would it create huge demand for solar, micro-wind, geothermal, etc. installations, but it would also lead to more energy conservation, retrofitting of houses, etc. as you can now sell that “saved” energy.
As a footnote, I’ll point out that today’s fairly robust job numbers (+117,000 net new jobs) would have been even more healthy if not for the continued decline in government jobs (-37,000 lost public sector positions).
Brian, NCPR
Brian,
I respectfully request a future thread or topic here in The In box about the “feed in tariff” concept. It’s little understood and deserves some attention given alternative energy is an important topic both globally, nationally and locally. I think you could do wonders with such a topic (not to “brown nose” you too much). Or even better, a series on NCPR about it. Pro’s, con’s that type of thing….
Normally, I’d say that local municipalities could do a better job than Albany on just about anything. However, in the case of wind farms, I don’t think that Albany could do worse when you take a look and listen around the North Country.
In general when the state government takes control of a process it will take longer and cost more. I don’t know if that will be the case in this instance. For example will state government now have to write new regulations to do this, hire new people to regulate this permitting process, set up a grievance process which once again requires employees to manage and administrate.
…Maybe recently retired, and perpetually tanned Richie Kessell could help with the wind issues. He did such a great job with Lilco,Lipa, NY power authority…..he’s a professional.
Talk about overpaid, underskilled Government workers–we could start there.
You don’t always get what you pay for, Private or Public sector.
Local Municipalities better reflect the locals’ wants, and needs.
Albany could only botch this up, But as Mervel pointed out it could mean more jobs! Bureaucratic, obstructive, jobs.
Yeah! for another potential layer of Government incompetance, paid for with your tax dollars.