New York State Temporary State Commission on the Environmental Impact of Major Public Utility Facilities Electric Generating…

Chronological.

Established by the legislature under Chapter 272 of the Laws of 1970, the commission was organized to formulate uniform procedures to regulate site selection of electrical generating plants. Composed of nine members, three appointed by the governor and six by assembly and senate leaders, the commission's recommendations became Article 8 of the Public Service Law, entitled Siting of Major Steam Electric Generating Facilities. Senator Thomas F. McGowan chaired the commission which held five public hearings around the State from December 1970 through February 1971. It issued its final report on March 31, 1971, the day its authority expired.

This series contains the transcripts of the commission's public hearings held to gather public opinion for its reports to the legislature. Transcripts of the senate debate on the commission's findings are also found in this series.

Included are the interim and final reports of the commission and memorandums of understanding and agreement between the governor with the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission or the State legislature. The transcripts reveal a concern on the public's part with nuclear power plants, with extensive discussion on the Shoreham Nuclear Plant. Many expressed dissatisfaction with federal and State government agencies, especially the Atomic Energy Commission, which, they claimed, did not watch out for the public interest, but rather were advocates for the utility companies. Many residents also felt that local concerns were given short shrift when utilities chose a facility's site.

The final commission report recommended transferring the authority to approve facilities' locations from local municipalities to the State. The State would then require an investigation into the site, balancing "environmental compatibility and public need." The series will be useful for those wishing to examine to what degree public opinion shapes public policy as one traces it through the transcripts, commission recommendations, and finally the law.

Microfilm is available for use at the New York State Archives or through inter-library loan.

Folder list is available at the repository.

Items in Folders 8-14 originated in Senator Thomas F. McGowan's office; the others originated in the Dept. of Commerce.

There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of this material.