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The Wind Farm industry in New York State: Capped?

By Dave Lucas

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-867308.mp3

Albany, NY – Wind energy has been on the cutting edge of green technology. But that could change in New York State: a regulation adopted by the State Public Service Commission earlier this month has the potential to cripple construction of commercial windfarms upstate. Capital District Bureau Chief Dave Lucas reports.

The new PSC rule requires developers to conduct studies to determine whether projects they propose may threaten hydro plants or other existing sources of renewable energy. Spokesman Jim Denn says the PSC has historically supported the devleopment of renewable energy.

There's a transmission problem in the mix: most of the power is needed in New York City but generated upstate. The existing transmission lines lack the capacity to carry the extra power. The wind industry says it shouldn't have to pay to study potential transmission issues. On Wednesday the PSC is holding an all-day technical conference in Albany to discuss further improving the state's renewable energy initiatives.