Monticello NY - A package of three bills that Rep. Maurice Hinchey says would “effectively stop the New York Regional Interconnect power line” is being introduced in Congress. The planned high-voltage power line has caused controversy in Pennsylvania as well as southern New York, because of its proximity to the Delaware River.

Hinchey says the legislative package is the “best approach” to stopping NYRI in its tracks.

“Because it specifically addresses provisions in that ’05 energy bill which I believe are not just inappropriate, but perhaps unconstitutional and clearly contrary to the interests of private individuals and communities as well as states,” said Hinchey, in announcing the legislation at a well-attended Monticello news conference.

One bill would repeal the section of the 2005 act that authorizes the Department of Energy to designate national corridors. The second bill would strip the ability of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to grant federal eminent domain authority to projects such as the NYRI power line. The third bill would ensure that areas which are recognized for their scenic, natural, cultural or historic values, such as the upper Delaware River, are protected from power line corridors.

Several joined Hinchey to support the federal legislative effort, including Sullivan County Legislature Chairman Chris Cunningham, who also chairs Communities Against Regional Interconnect.  The Pike County Commissioners have joined CARI.