Assemblywoman Rabbitt opposes high-voltage power line proposal

Greenwood Lake — Assemblywoman Annie Rabbitt, a republican conservative from Greenwood Lake, is opposing the proposal by New York Regional Interconnection to run high-voltage power lines from Utica to New Windsor. The lines would channel electricity from energy-rich upstate to power-hungry New York City. The company wants to construct high-voltage power lines along 200 miles of land in an effort to stabilize New York City’s shaky power grid. The firm argues the project would reduce local energy costs, and avert future rolling power outages for city residents. The lines would run on pylons 85 to 135 feet high. Project costs are estimated at $1 billion. “This project is focused on helping New York City residents, but no one seems to care about the residents in Orange County,” said Rabbitt. “Our communities and residents would have to see this monstrosity run right through their neighborhoods and, in some cases, their backyards.” Rabbitt, an open space proponent, said the power lines would destroy many of Orange County’s pristine landscapes, require the seizing of property via eminent domain, and ultimately reduce property values. She suggests the power line route be changed, or at least be placed underground in residential areas. The assemblywoman will express her concerns over this project as it is currently proposed in writing to the governor and the state Public Service Commission. “New York Regional Interconnection should go back to the drawing board, because more needs to be done to protect the property rights of the residents in my assembly district,” said Rabbitt. “I am willing to meet with anyone who wants to discuss this project, but they must be concerned with how this will impact my constituents, not New York City.”