Claverack unites to oppose Governor's Energy Highway project

A meeting of citizens concerned about the expansion of power lines through Claverack was held on Saturday (Jan 25) at the Churchtown firehouse. Area politicians and concerned citizens expressed their opposition to the plan. The project, part of Governor Cuomo's proposed Energy Highway, is a kick in the shins to Claverack and surrounding towns.  There are better ways to deliver more energy to New York City without taking people's land and causing irreparable harm to local farmers, property values, and historic homes.

The Claverack Town Board recently passed a resolution expressing our opposition to this project.  We believe that there are better options for the expansion of power lines, such as burying them underground, instead of new above ground lines that require additional lands. We are supportive of the efforts of Farmers and Families for Claverack and I want to thank them for their ongoing efforts to get information out to the public on this issue. As a town board we are 100% behind their efforts. We need to continue to work together to make sure the State knows that this is not just one town or a group of landowners that are concerned, but that this project is about the entire Hudson Valley. I look forward to working with my colleagues in other towns and the county to make sure our voices are heard. I encourage all Claverack residents to write letters to the Public Service Commission and get your neighbors, friends, and families to do the same. I encourage all of you to contact me, or any town board member, about this project.  We are fighting a Goliath on this project, but there are a hell of a lot of David’s in this town working with us to oppose it.

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