Letters to the Editor
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.
Legislature Chided on Blackout
Rather than blaming it on the Legislature’s ongoing debate about the Article X Power Plant Siting Law, the issue may instead be determined by the fact that nobody is willing to build plants to produce power [“Legislature Chided for Lack of Action Following Blackout,” New York Desk, August 12, 2004].
Similarly, Article VII of the New York State Public Service Law addresses the siting of transmission projects, and grants authority to the Public Service Commission to oversee the approval process.
The Public Service Commission also regulates utility rates.
The New York Times reported that a subsidiary of a New Jersey electric utility has proposed a transmission line under the Hudson River to link a gas-fire generating plant to Manhattan.
It had all the necessary permits, and money in the bank, but would not spend the money until it had long-term commitments for purchasers to buy the electricity.
The Empire Connection project was proposed to carry approximately 2,000 megawatts of power from upstate New York to New York City.
The project is composed of two high-voltage direct-current lines along railroad and highway rights-of-way into Manhattan.
According to the New York Times, the contractor, with preliminary financing from Wall Street and regulatory endorsements, held an auction in March 2004 for potential customers and investors.
The auction was canceled, for lack of interest; potential buyers of power failed to show up.
This is a market issue, not a political or reliability issue.
The state supposedly has already approved 20% of new power needed by 2008, or 2,000 megawatts, of the 25% projected by the Mayor’s Energy Policy Task Force.
According to the New York Daily News, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority reimbursed the U.S. Tennis Association $190,000 for auxiliary generators that will reduce the National Tennis Center’s electrical needs during the U.S. Open by 30%, or 2 megawatts, to ease burdens off the grid during periods of peak demand.
Two megawatts does not require Public Service Commission approval.
If the New York Affordable Reliable Electricity Alliance could locate approximately 1,500 more sites for similar auxiliary generation, it might find $285 million in reimbursable “solutions to fix a growing crisis for all New Yorkers” Hmmm.
QUESHAUN SUDBURY
Assistant engineer Station 5-362
Long Island City, Queens
‘A Logo that Doesn’t Deliver’
Lance Esplund’s excellent report captures exactly my sentiments about the retirement of Paul Rand’s brilliant UPS logo [“A Logo That Doesn’t Deliver” Page 1, August 5, 2004]. While the Rand design was elegant, graceful and charming – with a bit of wit as well – the new logo manages to be both dull and meretricious. The old logo hearkened back to a day when service was the prime goal, but it also captured the delight and wonder associated with receiving a “present,” to use the term of Mr. Rand’s daughter. The “of the moment,” dumbed-down version simply implies swiftness and market dominance, regardless of the associated level of service and its impact on the customer.
SCOTT SPRINGER
Senior associate principal Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates Architects and Planning Consultants
Manhattan
‘The Goss Nomination’
I’m surprised to see The New York Sun moving into Michael Moore land [“The Goss Nomination,” Editorial, August 12, 2004].
The Sun attacks President Bush’s nominee for director of central intelligence because of Rep. Porter Goss’s criticism of Iraqi alleged criminal Ahmed Chalabi.
Previously, the Sun criticized Mr. Bush’s appointee, Ambassador Paul Bremer, for his supposed antagonism toward Mr. Chalabi.
I’m wondering if the Sun feels that, like Mr. Moore, Mr. Bush has some ulterior motive for constantly promoting and supporting officials who have a personal animus toward Mr. Chalabi.
JERRY SKURNIK
Manhattan
‘A Question of Judgment’
It is a sad comment when Governor McGreevey succeeds in making Senator Torricelli of New Jersey look honest [“A Question of Judgment,” Editorial, August 13, 2004].
New Jerseyites had a chance to elect the talented Brett Schundler but opted, instead, to elect the corrupt mediocrity known as James McGreevey, who demonized Mr. Schundler for his pro-life conservative family values.
Hopefully, New Jersey will finally get it right.
If not, it is time to investigate the drinking water.
ALICE LEMOS
Woodside, N.Y.
