The Moreland Commission on Utility Storm Preparation and Response today announced three hearings: one to hear from executives of the Long Island Power Authority and National Grid and the other two to hear comments from the public on Staten Island and in the Rockaways in Queens.
On Dec. 20 on Long Island, the Commission will hear testimony from executives from LIPA and National Grid. This hearing is open to the public to listen, but no public testimony will be taken.
To date, the Moreland Commission has held two public hearings, in New York City on December 6 and Long Island on December 11. Residents unable to present testimony on those dates should consider attending the upcoming hearings in Queens or Staten Island. Alternatively, New Yorkers may also continue to submit testimony at comments@moreland.ny.gov.
Public testimony will be taken at hearings on Staten Island on Dec. 26 and in the Rockaways in Queens on Dec. 27.
These public hearings will focus on 1. The emergency preparedness and response of utilities to recent storms and 2. Recommendations for restructuring the oversight of energy utilities in New York, including LIPA, to improve the reliable and affordable transmission of power.
Members of the public wishing to testify at the hearing are asked to address these two issues.
Members of the public will be able to register to speak at each event and are asked to keep their oral comments to no more than three minutes to allow as many people as possible to share their views. The public may also submit written comments before or after the hearings at comments@moreland.ny.gov.
WHAT: Moreland Commission Hearing on LIPA & National Grid
WHEN: Thursday, December 20th, 6:00 p.m.
WHERE: Touro College, Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center, Multipurpose room, 225 Eastview Drive, Central Islip 11722
Note: No public testimony will be taken at this hearing.
WHAT: Rockaway, Queens Island Moreland Commission Public Hearing
WHEN: December 27th, 6:00 p.m.
WHERE: Challenge Preparatory Charter School, 365 Beach 56th Street, Queens, NY 11692
WHAT: Staten Island Moreland Commission Public Hearing
WHEN: Wednesday, December 26th, 6:00 p.m.
WHERE: Jewish Community Center of Staten Island, 1297 Arthur Kill Road, Staten Island, NY 10312
On November 13, 2012, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo established a commission under the Moreland Act (Section 6 of the New York State Executive Law) (“Moreland Commission”) to, among other things, investigate the response, preparation, and management of New York’s power utility companies with respect to several major storms impacting the State, including Hurricanes Sandy and Irene, and Tropical Storm Lee (“Recent Storms”). Executive Orders 73 and 76 which created the Commission can be found at http://www.governor.ny.gov/press/11132012Section6