House Republican Press Release

 

 

 

June 25, 2004

Press Office: 860-240-8700

 

Rep. DelGobbo Hails Cross-Sound Cable Agreement

 

State Representative Kevin M. DelGobbo, R-Naugatuck, House Ranking Member of the Legislature’s Energy and Technology Committee, hailed the recently announced agreement between Connecticut and New York officials regarding the Cross-Sound Cable. DelGobbo is a member of the Long Island Sound Moratorium Waiver Committee, whose agreement was necessary for this deal. DelGobbo participated in the intense final negotiations that took place this past week.

“I think this is an absolutely fantastic step forward for Connecticut,” said DelGobbo. “After chasing our tails for far too long, this represents an extremely sensible resolution. Many people may ask ‘What’s in it for the Cross-Sound Cable or New York residents?’ I believe our first question should be ‘What’s in it for Connecticut?’ In my mind, the answer is: A great deal.”

“Among other things, this resolution is a vital step towards energy reliability,” added DelGobbo. “It provides not only for the protection of Long Island Sound but for continuing improvements to that natural resource. It also gives relief to Connecticut utility ratepayers and perhaps most importantly, it keeps Connecticut, rather than the federal government, in control of these issues.”

DelGobbo particularly praised the efforts of Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Arthur Rocque Jr. and Department of Public Utility Control Commissioner Donald W. Downes.

“The resolution that Commissioners Rocque and Downes crafted was one of the most significant policy improvements that I’ve witnessed in many years, said DelGobbo. “These gentlemen did a fantastic job on behalf of Connecticut.”

DelGobbo acknowledged that for some members of the moratorium committee, this was a difficult decision. In large part, he noted, because of disinformation regarding the environmental impact of Cross-Sound Cable that had been introduced to the public debate on this issue.

Finally, the agreement resolves the longstanding dispute on a number of issues involving the Cross-Sound Cable. The provisions include:

  1. Allows for the operation of the Cross-Sound Cable.
  2. Ensuring the Cross-Sound Cable complies with environmental requirements established by Connecticut.
  3. The repair of the “1385” cable from Norwalk, CT to Northport, NY. This aging cable helps provide power into Fairfield County but has been an environmental hazard. The agreement requires that New York and Connecticut share the cost of repairing this line. Its repair will prevent future environmental danger to Long Island Sound.
  4. The establishment of a $6 million fund for Long Island Sound improvements
  5. Removes the imminent threat of a federal takeover of decision-making on these matters and ensures that Connecticut retains its authority of such issues.