Paul Vitale
Director, Government & Community Relations
The Business Council of Westchester
March 29, 2005

The Business Council of Westchester is the County’s largest business organization, with over 1,300 major corporate, mid-size and small businesses and professional member firms and individuals.

We support the continued operation of Indian Point, along with the development of additional energy sources.

Indian Point is an important and dynamic part of Westchester’s economy. It’s not just because Indian Point provides energy that all businesses need. It also provides key jobs, commerce, and much needed tax-revenue.

In Westchester, and downstate New York, however, it is proving nearly impossible to obtain new sources of energy. Conjunction LLC had proposed a major power-transmission pipeline known as the “Empire Connection.” The proposal, which would have brought significant electricity to New York, has been terminated.

The Millenium Pipeline, which would bring much-needed new supplies of natural gas to the region is also facing opposition. On top of this it was just announced that the Lovett Generating Station, which produces most of Rockland County’s electricity, will be closing in 2007.

Indian Point’s low-cost, reliable power is important to businesses in Westchester and surrounding areas, and should be for some time. This important energy infrastructure asset is and will remain important for the County’s economy for many years to come.