by Megan R.
A three-year battle against New York Regional Interconnect Inc. (NYRI) has finally been resolved.
The company has formally withdrawn its application to build a 400-Watt, 190-mile power line. “It [NYRI] has no economic purpose for moving forward,” said Steve DiMeo from Citizens Against Regional Interconnect (CARI).
Despite obstacles standing in its way, NYRI continued to try to obtain permission for its project. NYRI argued that the powerline is a necessity in preventing further stresses on power in the Northeast.
NYRI wanted to Public Service Commission to guarantee a 13% rate of return on its investment in the project.
The series of evidentiary hearings have proven NYRI to be unnecessary. However, the NYRI investors losing faith in the project is the “straw that broke the camel’s back,” said DiMeo.
In an April 8 press release, NYRI lawyer, Leonard H. Singer said, “NYRI confirms that it has withdrawn its application for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need pursuant to Article VII of the Public Service Law.”
Could NYRI get more money to fund their project? Some opponents of NYRI fear that this is not the end. According to DiMeo, “I think NYRI is a dead deal.”
