Article X action needed NOW

Source: Sue Sliwinski | Action alerts, New York

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The Senate and Assembly resumed discussions on Article X legislation today, and although just two days are left in the scheduled legislative session, it appears that both sides agree some progress is being made on “big-ticket” items, such as intervener funding levels, inclusion of coal in the fuel source mix, etc.

Wind energy issues were raised last week but were not discussed today. Energy committee staff suggest that they expect wind issues to be raised again by the Senate as negotiations and discussion draw to a conclusion. Frankly, I’m not expecting any significant development on wind energy siting issues unless a new flurry of calls go in to the legislators sitting on the conference committee.

The message is a simple one: “Don’t sell our community out to wind energy siting! Statewide siting guidelines are needed. Home rule needs to be protected in the scope of the unique scale and impacts of commercial scale wind energy. What protections will you secure in Article X?”

I encourage all to continue to promote the need for calls to Paul Tonko (518-455-5197), Kevin Cahill (518-455-4436), Donna Lupardo (518-455-5431) and Tom O’Mara (518-455-4538). As these members are representing the Assembly in these negotiations, there is no need to make an excuse for not being their direct constituent.

Senate calls need to go in to James Wright (518-455-2346), George Winner (518-455-2091), James Seward (518-455-3131) and James Alesi (518-455-2015)