Res. No. 1817
Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to amend the New York State Public Service Law in order to prevent the over-saturation of communities with electric generating facilities that rely on fossil fuels.
By Council Members Vallone Jr., Gerson, James, Sanders Jr., Stewart and White Jr.
Whereas, Rising demand for electricity in New York State creates an ongoing need for new electric generating facilities, which are most likely to be powered by fossil fuels such as oil and natural gas; and
Whereas, Electric generating facilities that are operated using fossil fuels result in air pollution that is especially detrimental to the health of those who reside and work nearby; and
Whereas, Lower real estate prices, greater land availability, and proximity to the existing power generation infrastructure make certain communities likely to be chosen as sites for a disproportionate share of new electric generating facilities; and
Whereas, Siting procedures for electric generating facilities should protect communities from bearing an undue share of the pollution that is created from their operation; and
Whereas, Article X of the New York State Public Service Law, which regulated power plant siting, expired in 2003; and
Whereas, The New York State Public Service Law does not include any provisions that prevent electric generating facilities from being sited in close proximity to each other or to existing facilities; and
Whereas, State law should protect communities from bearing a disproportionate share of environmental and public health burdens resulting from the siting of electric generating facilities; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York State Legislature to amend the New York State Public Service Law in order to prevent the over-saturation of communities with electric generating facilities that rely on fossil fuels.