Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino joined Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin, North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jen DeSena, Town and fire officials from across Nassau County to denounce the latest attempt by Albany to override local zoning laws through their latest proposal known as the RAPID Act.
Through this legislation, Albany would have the power to fast-track large-scale energy projects such as high voltage power lines and electric battery storage facilities throughout Long Island, bypassing local regulations.
“This proposal could strip away our ability to decide what’s best for our communities, ultimately silencing local residents,” said Saladino. “Under the RAPID Act, massive energy projects would be forced on local neighborhoods and expansive lithium storage facilities or high-voltage power lines could even be placed near homes and schools. The proposal removes local control – giving Albany the final say, not the residents who live here.”
Officials further explained that the RAPID Act includes automatic approvals, greenlighting projects with no community input. It also calls for eminent domain expansion, where private property could be taken for power lines. All approvals would be under the jurisdiction of New York State, bypassing local laws and zoning regulations.
Those comments brought quick response from the New York State Public Service Commission which supports the changes.
“The supervisors’ position is unfounded,” said James Denn, a spokesman for the New York State Public Service Commission. “Local governments will be able to continue to provide input on project compliance, including compliance with zoning laws. The RAPID Act does not remove public participation/consultation and it maintains the requirement that local zoning codes are honored to the extent practicable.”
In fact, the RAPID Act improves public participation and builds in more provisions for public involvement and requires developers to do local engagement on transmission projects, which the current law only encourages it, said Denn.
The PSC is currently seeking comments regarding proposed RAPID Act regulations. Comments can be submitted here: shorturl.at/ki9Na
