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A controversial federal law that allows some major power line developers to bypass state regulators will face a critical review by lawmakers on Capitol Hill today.
The provision, which many observers consider vital to a proposal to build a 1,200-megawatt power line from the Utica area to New Windsor, was passed in 2005 as part of the far-reaching Energy Policy Act.
It was one of several new powers advocated by Vice President Dick Cheney as ways to overcome local resistance to new power line projects like New York Regional Interconnect’s proposal.
House Democrats have never been thrilled with the provision. Efforts to repeal it have gained traction as power line developers have proliferated and spurred fervent opposition.
Aside from New York Regional Interconnect, there are applications for federal approval to build power lines through Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and other neighboring states.
Today’s hearing, before a subcommittee of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, which will be led by Rep. Dennis Kucinich, D-Ohio, a presidential candidate, will offer the Democrat-run House’s first crack at the law. Those scheduled to testify include the Department of Energy official charged with implementing the law.
The chairman of the New York State Assembly Energy Committee, Paul Tonko, D-Amsterdam, a critic of the Bush administration’s energy policy, will also speak. Rep. Maurice Hinchey, D-Hurley, who is not a member of the committee, will participate in the proceedings.
Hinchey said the hearing will provide an opportunity to point out the flaws in the law and build support for a package of bills he authored that would strike it from the books.
“Was it done to promote an independent energy policy or was it something that simply aids certain corporate interests close to the White House?” Hinchey said. “The latter seems to be the case.”
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