New York State Board on Electric Generation Sitting and the Environment Project Application Case Files

Unarranged

Prior to 1972, utility companies that sought to build new electric generating facilities had to receive approval from multiple state agencies. The Public Service Commission verified the need for the new facility, the Department of Environmental Conservation reviewed the environmental impact of the proposed generating plant, and the Department of Health reviewed health-related issues arising from construction and operation of the new facility. Records of these various review and approval processes were found in the Public Service Commission's case files as well as in records maintained by the Department of Environmental Conservation and the Department of Health.

In 1972, the State Legislature consolidated this process by creating a single entity responsible for reviewing the need for and impact of large electric generating plants and permitting their construction. The Electric Generation Siting and Environment Board was established and placed in the Department of Public Service, with the agency responsible for providing staff support to the board. Board membership included the chairman of the Public Service Commission, who served as board chairman; the commissioners of the Departments of Environmental Conservation, Health, and Commerce; and one member of the public appointed by the governor. The board was given licensing authority over the siting and construction of large (defined as 50 megawatts or greater generating capacity) steam electric generating plants. It was to rule on applications based upon public energy requirements and the environmental impact of the proposed plants. The board received authority to grant siting and construction permits and to establish standards for the building of new plants. The board was granted authority over the construction of nuclear-powered generating facilities, as well as large coal-fired plants.

In 1978, the State Legislature expanded the board's membership to include the commissioner of the State Energy Office and a second member of the public to be appointed by the governor. In 1992, the board's authority was modified by redefining "large" electric generating facilities to include those with an 80 megawatt or greater generating capacity.

This series consists of case files created by the Board on Electric Generation Sitting and the Environment in the process of reviewing applications to construct and site major electric generating facilities. The case files consist of utility petitions, applications to build new facilities, briefs, comments, reports, exhibits, testimony, and final board orders approving or denying applications and associated correspondence.

Series A0166 Temporary State Commission on the Environmental Impact of Major Public Utility Facilities Electric Generating Plants and Environmental Policy Hearing Transcripts and Reports contains related records.

This series was transferred under RDA 21759.

Critical infrastructure information about power generation and transmission facilities is exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Law, section 86.5 and 87.2(i).