Congressman Sherwood Boehlert wrote to the US Energy Department asking it to deny NYRI's request for special federal status. The status would designate the proposed electric transmission route as one of national interest.

Boehlert wrote that NYRI is both incompetent and arrogant, adding, "Not only is NYRI seemingly unconcerned with the property owners their proposal will directly impact, but they are attempting to skirt New York State regulators -- despite the fact that the project is encompassed entirely within New York State."

Boehlert says it is his understanding that NYRI must go through the state approval process first. If a year goes by without state action, only then can it ask for its application to be considered on a federal level.

Barbara Fiala is also taking a step to show Broome County's disapproval of the high voltage project. The County Executive signed a resolution opposing the high voltage line.

Fiala says it would have a negative impact on the quality of life in Broome. She will ask county legislators to vote to support the resolution at their next meeting in June.

NYRI's proposed transmission line would run 200 miles, passing through Broome, Chenango and Delaware Counties.