January 18, 2013
Hon. Jaclyn A. Brilling
Secretary to the Commission
New York State Public Service Commission
Three Empire State Plaza
Albany, New York 12223
Dear Secretary Brilling,
From Lake Ontario to Morristown, the Thousand Islands region has been targeted as a prime location for industrial wind development. With active projects in the towns of Cape Vincent and Lyme, as well as Clayton, and towers in the Town of Hammond, the entire region is being considered for such development.
As a non-profit land trust with preserves and conservation easements in all of the towns stretching from Cape Vincent to Hammond, we have a vested interest in conserving the environmental integrity of our Regional ecosystem. Working to conserve the natural beauty, wildlife habitats, and recreational opportunities of the Thousand Islands, TILT has conserved over 8,000 acres of habitat for migratory waterfowl, grassland restoration for nesting songbirds, and multiple outreach efforts to provide local communities with information as well as hands on expertise required to continue to protect and conserve the Region's unique natural resources.
Lacking a regional comprehensive plan regarding the impact of multiple industrial wind projects in the Thousand Islands region, we respectfully request that the Article X Siting Board pay close attention to the work conducted by our local municipalities. The towns, including smaller adjacent communities currently involved with industrial wind proposals, have consistently said that, through the development of local comprehensive plans, and more importantly, the elections and appointments of local boards, they seek to protect the health, safety, and welfare of their communities.
New York State has wisely chosen to be a Home Rule state, meaning that municipalities have been given the right to determine local land use decisions for their communities. We respectfully request that the Article X Siting Board respect the wishes and concerns of the electorate in the Thousand Islands region.
Sincerely,
Jake R. Tibbles
Executive Director
Thousand Islands Land Trust
PO Box 238
Clayton, NY 13624
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