Long Island school districts challenge Propel NY transmission project

Six school districts on Long Island are calling on the New York State Public Service Commission to immediately suspend its approval of the Propel NY Energy transmission project. The North Shore, Roslyn, Syosset, Manhasset, Garden City, and Hicksville districts argue that the project lacks sufficient construction details and enforceable safeguards to ensure student safety and operational continuity.

The proposed 90-mile high-voltage underground transmission line aims to link Long Island to the Bronx and Westchester. While school officials stated they do not oppose grid modernization, they expressed concerns regarding traffic congestion, emergency access, and potential disruptions to school transportation. North Shore Interim Superintendent Thomas Dolan noted that construction could impact the accessibility of transportation facilities, such as those housing bus fleets.

Propel NY Energy responded by stating that its teams have spent years engaging with schools to implement measures that minimize temporary construction impacts. The company emphasized that an unreliable electric grid would pose a greater risk to student health and safety than the project itself. The project currently awaits a key approval from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and a water-quality certificate ruling from the state.