The New York State Public Service Commission has granted Propel NY Energy approval of a permit called “a certificate of environmental compatibility and public need,” that advances the project to the construction planning and execution phase.
Multiple motions to dismiss the project had been filed with the PSC by North Shore, Roslyn and Syosset school districts, the villages of Sea Cliff and East Hills as well as local residents and organizations in the last few months.
Developers of the project, the New York Power Authority and New York Transco, filed a joint proposal in April. The certificate establishes conditions the project must meet, including parameters in the joint proposal.
“The issuance of the certificate of environmental compatibility and public need is a signifanct milstone for Propel NY Energy and reflects the extensive record before the Public Service Commission that has included years of planning, environmental and technical review, and meaningful, inclusive community engagement that incorpoates local voices and values,” NY Transco President Joris Veldhoven and NYPA President Justin Driscoll wrote in a joint statement. “This regulatory approval affirms the urgent need for this critical transmission project that will improve energy reliability and resiliency for all New Yorkers.”
Propel’s environmental management and construction plans will be filed with the PSC in four phases, with the first two phases already filed. These plans detail construction methods.
North Shore residents have opposed the $3.26 billion project since the beginning, citing concerns like public health and safety, traffic and environmental impact.
Health and safety concerns have revolved around pollution and electromagnetic fields generation. EM&CP Phase two raised concerns over the health of Hempstead Harbor and its shellfish populations.
Sea Cliff Village Administrator Bruce Kennedy described the PSC’s decision as “a remarkable display of regulatory tone-deafness.”
“We are thoroughly reviewing the decision and weighing all available options for our next steps,” he wrote in a statement. “Sea Cliff is not done protecting our residents, our community and our harbor.”
Propel was originally chosen in 2023 by the New York Independent System Operator to satisfy the Long Island Offshore Wind Export Public Policy Need, or to export wind energy off of Long Island into the rest of the downstate region. Since then, several offshore wind projects have been cancelled, and Propel representatives now say the project is needed to address grid reliability and the need for more capacity in the state.
Residents argue that with the cancellation of offshore wind projects and no named power source, Propel will not address the state’s reliability and capacity issues on its own. NYISO is responsible for determing what kind of power will flow on the liines.
The Army Corps of Engineers must also approve Propel, and all four phases of EM&CPs must be approved before construction can begin.
This is a developing story. More to follow.