Massa against current wind farm growth

PRATTSBURGH - The 29th Congressional District is ground zero for wind farm development with more than 1,200 turbines ultimately planned for the region, according to U.S. Rep. Eric Massa, D-Corning.

Massa was in town Monday night to discuss his opposition to the federal health reform act, during a 1.5-hour long town hall meeting, saying the act would impose a higher surcharge on New Yorkers and undermine Medicare.

He told residents his opposition to the health care plan has not endeared him to his fellow Democrats.

Massa, in his first term in the House, then turned to a hot-button local issue of wind energy - another area where he differs with his colleagues on Capitol Hill.

"The last thing you want to do is get between a wind turbine and a politician," Massa said, adding later that wind turbines have become a false "iconic vision" of renewable energy.

Massa told residents he opposes current development in the area largely because wind developers are "predatory and nontransparent."

He recommended leaseholders receive the same rights offered to property owners with mineral rights, in order to get equitable payments from wind companies.

An engineer and environmental advocate, Massa said his ability to change the current situation at the federal level is limited, but added he will meet with the state Independent System Operator in two weeks. NYISO operates the state's bulk electricity grid and administers its wholesale prices.

Massa said government should be more responsive to residents' concerns, adding state AttorneyGeneralAndrewCuomo's recent code of ethics for wind developers "doesn't cut it."

In response, a spokesman for the Attorney General referred to Cuomo's press release on the code of ethics, which states it will "facilitate the development of renewable energy while helping assure that the industry is acting properly and within the law."

Town boards also should listen and respond to the residents' concerns Massa said.

In Prattsburgh, a number of meetings requested by board members and residents - including one set for Monday night on a draft wind utilities law — have been canceled without comment by Town Supervisor Harold Mc- Connell.

McConnell claims he cancels the meetings, a violation of the Open Meetings Law, under the advice of town Attorney John Leyden.

"I'm here to get your input on health care," Massa said. "Why can't your town boards do the same?"