Mayor Asks For Support of Energy Reform Legislation

Harrison Mayor/Supervisor Joan Walsh says that she has asked residents to rally around a state-wide political bill or law only twice during her administration - once in May to oppose the proposed sugar tax on soda and other soft drinks - and again this month as she called for support of a new energy reform bill.

"I feel very strongly about it," Walsh said after asking residents in her weekly column to read the bill, entitled Energize New York, and send letters of support if they too are in favor of it.

The proposed program would utilize hydro power plants for more of the state power supply and reduce energy costs for businesses and not-for-profits throughout the state in an effort to keep workers employed and keep large companies from leaving the state.

The idea is nothing new, rather an expansion of two short-term programs that expired this spring. The old energy programs, according to a letter from Governor David Paterson, supported 300,000 jobs state-wide. He went on to say that if no replacement is created those jobs would be in jeopardy.

The Energize New York program is also about 50 percent larger than the original two and capable of supporting 490,000 jobs, it is also a long-term solution that would not fluctuate annually, according to Paterson.

Although concerns linger about giving aid to private sector businesses, Paterson defends this in his letter saying that using low cost energy as a form of cost-reduction will create a "stable, predictable and sustainable economic development program."

While the job market remains relatively stagnant in Westchester County and fears remain of large corporations potentially leaving for less expensive neighboring states, Walsh said that she supports the legislation because it could provide needed help.

"I think anything that will help reduce the cost of doing business is a good thing for the State of New York," she said. "Down here there is certainly a need, with sales down and this environment, anything we can do to help is needed."

The state Senate has already passed the bill by an overwhelming majority, but it has not been officially considered by the state Assembly at this point, keeping it away from the governor's desk for final approval.

The reason, according to Paterson, is partially because of the cost for upstate residential energy customers who would lose discounts that he estimates totaled $2 - $4 a month in energy reductions per residence in 2009. 

Although the bill would phase these reduction losses over the next several years, the proposal has left some upstate feeling neglected because they are paying to support the rest of the state with cheap energy.

But Paterson is convinced that the positives of the legislation outweigh any negatives in cost. The bill promises to create "tens of thousands of new jobs and protect hundreds of thousands of existing ones." It also promises to keep a watch over aided businesses to ensure that they are following job and energy efficiency commitments.

The legislation remains in limbo in Albany as the governor works to garner the necessary support. In the meantime, Walsh continues to ask local residents to consider sending a letter.

"Now, I am not going to comment on what goes on in Albany - you can read that for yourselves in any newspaper. However, when there is worthwhile legislation which could benefit all of us, that I will speak out on," she said in her column. "So, I am asking you to read the Governor's memo, and then, if you agree, send an e-mail supporting the program."