7/27/2019 Letter from Senator Charles E Schumer to The Honorable Audrey Zibelman Chair NYSPSC

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CHARLES E. SCHUMERNEW YORK

lEnited States SenateWASHINGTON, DC 20510

COMMITT

BANKIFINANJUDICIARULE

September 26, 2013

The Honorable Audrey ZibelmanChairNew York State Public Service CommissionEmpire State PlazaAgency Building 3Albany, NY 12223-1350Dea r Cha irman Z ibe lman :

RECEIVEDWBUCSBWICF COMMISSION

OCT 0 2 7013CHAIRMANALBANY, NY

This letter is regarding several constituent's concerns with the suggested transmissionline project in Columbia County as proposed by the New York State Electric and GasCorporation ("NYSEG"). I know that an Article VII is proceeding before Judge Eleanor Steinand that evidentiary hearings have commenced. Before any final decision on this proposal,please consider the residents of the Towns ofChatham, Ghent and Stockport who are veryworried about the possible negative impact the power lines may impose.

A number of constituents have raised concern that the proposed route would run throughproperties that have cultural, residential, and agricultural significance. This area ofNew York isundergoing a surge of economic growth, no doubt due to its sustainable agriculture and tourism.The power lines pose a risk not only to financial development of this county, but also to homesand multiple farms that lie in the proposed route. Residents fear having their homes destroyed orbeing forced to move of f their farms. In addition, the proposed route goes directly through theArt Omi sculpture park, which would clearly diminish the enjoyment of this important culturaland tourism asset. Year after year, the number of farms in our state decreases. I spend aconsiderable amount of time in Washington fighting to keep our New York farms viable becauseI think they are essential to our economy. We cannot run roughshod over any of the farms thatremain, they are too precious. I urge you to consider these implications before approving theNYSEG project, as currently proposed.

Thank you for your at tendance to this matter. I t rust you and your colleagues will takethese constituents growing apprehensions seriously and make the right decision. For anyadditional questions please contact my office.

Sincerely,

(J*^*