Electric transmission upgrade is needed

Dear Editor,

Questions have recently been raised about the New York Energy Solution electric transmission upgrade project in the Hudson Valley and whether improved transmission capacity is actually needed.

The New York League of Conservation Voters says, unequivocally, yes.

We have a climate crisis and we need to take action.

NYLCV strongly supports New York’s historic Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, requiring that New York State shift to 70 percent renewable energy by 2030 and 100 percent clean energy by 2040.

Reaching these targets and combating the effects of climate change will not only require significant new construction of green generation sources, but also upgrading existing and building new transmission lines to bring this renewable energy from where it is generated to where it is consumed.

Both the New York Independent System Operator and the State Public Service Commission have conclusively demonstrated this need.

We need more solutions like New York Transco’s — where aging infrastructure is replaced, local communities are engaged and respected, and we all benefit from progress to combat climate change.

Working together, communities, consumers, and the energy industry can build New York’s Clean Energy Superhighway — but not without more robust and resilient transmission system projects like the New York Energy Solution.

Julie Tighe New York, N.Y. The writer is president of the New York League of

Conservation Voters.