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October 3, 2006
Pataki to sign bill stripping NYRI of eminent domain
The Times Herald-Record
Gov. George Pataki is expected tomorrow to sign legislation that would throw up a major obstacle to a huge power transmission line proposed from central New York to Orange County, according to sources.
The bill, authored by Sen. John Bonacic and passed by both houses of the Legislature, blocks New York Regional Interconnect from using state laws to take land by eminent domain to build its 190-mile line.
NoLandGrab: The use of eminent domain for the transmission line project is unpopular upstate and is largely seen as a land grab by powerful corporate interests. Downstate residents have generally viewed the project as a necessary public use, as the power-hungry Metro area faces a future with more brownouts during high-consumption days.
Whatever your position on the transmission lines, it is curious that the Governor supports land grabs for a privately owned arena, but is perfectly willing to nix the use of eminent domain for an infrastructure project.
Is the governor suddenly trying to assume the populist position against eminent domain as he gears up for his presidential bid?
Posted by lumi at October 3, 2006 6:19 AM