Today, Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (D-Endwell) introduced legislation (A.11977 /S.8349) that would prohibit the use of eminent domain by New York Regional Interconnection (NYRI) under state law.

“The power line would damage our environment, harm our economy and pose potential health risks to those in its path,” said Lupardo. “NYRI should not be permitted to seize private property for their own profit and my legislation would prevent that.”

Eminent domain is a legal tool which is used for the taking of private property for public good. Under a section of state law, electric companies, such as NYRI, are able to use eminent domain to condemn private property and take it for their own profit.

NYRI, a private Albany-based corporation, is proposing a high-voltage power line from Oneida County to Orange County, part of which would pass through Broome County. The 200 mile project would pass through a total of seven counties: Oneida, Madison, Chenango, Broome, Delaware, Sullivan and Orange.

“It is important to ensure that eminent domain is used for the most public of purposes and not for the profit of private developers,” Lupardo said.

The legislation was introduced in the Senate by Senator John Bonacic (R-Mt. Hope).