A motion requesting “intervenor” status in the FERC review of the Kinder Morgan pipeline, filed by Rensselaer County in late January, has been granted. This makes the County a recognized part of the review process that will lead to a decision to permit construction of the pipeline or not, or to permit it with restrictions or conditions.
[private]Rensselaer County Executive Kathleen M. Jimino said, “Having intervenor status allows us to continue to voice the significant environmental, health, and safety concerns of our residents directly to the Federal Regulatory Energy Commission as well as stay abreast of all documents including those from Kinder Morgan filed in regard to this project.”
Members of the Rensselaer County Legislature were pleased by news of the County’s designation as an intervenor in the upcoming federal review of the Kinder Morgan, Northeast Energy Direct project. The project proposes to route a pipeline through the towns of Schodack, Nassau and Stephentown, and to locate a large compressor station somewhere in the County.
The Legislature recently approved a resolution supporting the County’s request for intervenor status. The request was made by County Executive Kathleen Jimino’s office.
“Our mission is to protect the health, safety, economic vitality and quality of life. Rensselaer County having intervenor status will give us the ability to present questions and concerns as this projects moves through the federal review process,” said Chair of the Legislature Stan Brownell.
“This is a project that has prompted tremendous concern among residents throughout the county, particularly in the towns of Schodack, Nassau and Stephentown. The potential impacts for the project are considerable and deserve close review,” said Vice Chair of the Legislature Alex Shannon.
“Intervenor status gives the County a seat at the table and an avenue to directly address those responsible for the project and those reviewing the project. This is a potentially important step in helping represent residents concerned on this issue,” said Legislator Judith Breselor, a member of the Legislature’s Environment Committee.
“The review of this project is vitally important, as Kinder Morgan has failed to answer many basic questions and concerns regarding the proposed pipeline and compressor station project,” added Legislator Martin Reid, chair of the Legislature’s Environment Committee.[/private]