11/07/2008
Ms. Jaclyn A. Brilling
Secretary
New York State Public Service Commission
Three Empire State Plaza
Albany, New York 12223-1350
RE: PSC Case 06-T-0650-NYRI Transmission Line Proceeding
Dear Ms. Brilling:
On behalf of the New York members of the National Federation of Independent Business, New York's leading small business advocacy association, I write to express our opposition to the proposed NYRI transmission line.
We have been hearing from individual small business owners for some time about this proposal, and recently balloted our membership statewide to determine their views. Sixty-one percent of those responding expressed their opposition.
Small business owners are concerned that NYRI will have an extremely adverse impact on the communities it will run through and that it is not necessary to meet the state's energy needs. They worry particularly about the use of "eminent domain" to take property along the proposed route, which in some cases would run through residential and downtown areas, meaning individuals could lose their homes and businesses. They also believe it will negatively impact tourism and mar environmentally sensitive areas.
While small business owners are concerned about the cost and availability of energy in New York and its impact on our economy, most of our membership has concluded that the negative aspects of this particular project far outweigh any potential benefits and do not believe NYRI is the solution. Accordingly, we oppose this proposal.
Very truly yours,
Michael J. Elmendorf II
State Director, NFIB/New York
