Proposed Energy Law

It feels like the proposed Renewable Energy Law is teetering on the threshold of bureaucratic purgatory. And it's getting hard to tell who's poised to push in which direction. Each new and improved version draws a flurry of responses from a new or revisiting stakeholder. Each proposed change has to pass through the eye of several needles.

I must say, the only corner from which no obstacles have arisen is the Town Board. All Town Board members have been supportive and willing to meet at any time to take the next step. Hurdles have been coming from the Conservation Board, the Environmental Planner, Zoning Enforcement and, yes, the town attorney. The Conservation Board has been silent for about a week. Dan K. has acquiesced. Henry's most recent request involved only the insertion of two words. And yesterday I got approval from Mahlon to correct a significant typo introduced last week by his office.

So once again, the final draft is ready to go out. It's actually FinalDraft.v6. And once again I have the feeling I'm throwing it into the fan. Since changes were still being kicked around, it could not be introduced at the August 23 meeting or yesterday's ground breaking meeting. Now it will be reviewed one last time by anyone still willing to reread it and, barring any further last minute objections, will be introduced at the September 14 Town Board meeting. If no substantial objections are raised, board members may set a public hearing date near the end of September. Once again barring substantial objection, the Board may vote, following the close of the public hearing, to pass the law.