State and Local Officials Seek Greater Control Over Long Island Sound
Suffolk Life Newspapers reports on state and county legislative initiatives aimed at blocking Broadwater Energy’s proposed LNG terminal for Long Island Sound. On June 23, the New York State Assembly passed a bill spearheaded by Assemblymen Fred Thiele (R-Bridgehampton) and Marc Alessi (D-Wading River) that would create a permit process for any proposed industrial use of the state’s coastal zone. Broadwater senior vice president John Hritcko argued that the “state already has a tremendous amount of say” and that the measure “just creates more bureaucracy.” The state Senate has yet to address a similar bill sponsored by Senator Ken LaValle (R-Selden). Separately, the Suffolk County legislature held a public hearing on a bill sponsored by County Executive Steve Levy. The county’s Economic Development, Higher Education and Energy Committee is expected to review the measure on August 2.