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By MARIE J. FRENCH - August 8, 2026
COALITION PROPELLING LONG ISLAND TRANSMISSION: A new coalition has formed to support the Propel NY project that’s awaiting a key state approval and running into some last-minute hurdles.
The Propel NY project, backed by the New York Power Authority and New York Transco, would bolster the connectivity between Long Island’s grid and the rest of the state. The massive, more than $3 billion project is key to preserving reliability over the coming years, according to the state’s grid operator.
A coalition of labor, environmental and business groups is throwing its support behind the investment in the state’s grid, pointing to the July heat wave as evidence of the need for the project. They’re pushing back on opposition to the project from some local governments along the route.
“At a time when we are experiencing record-high temperatures and our electricity grid is already struggling to meet demand, it is extremely disappointing that elected officials promote the ‘not in my backyard’ mentality for this crucial energy infrastructure project,” said Adrienne Esposito, executive director for Citizens Campaign for the Environment.
Other key backers in the coalition include New York League of Conservation Voters, the Sierra Club for Long Island, IBEW locals, the Laborers’ International Union of North America, the Building and Construction Trades Council of Nassau and Suffolk AFL-CIO, the Long Island Association and others.
The sprawling Propel project is awaiting action by the Public Service Commission for a key approval after filing a joint proposal backed by state agencies in April.
Some local towns and school districts along with local groups oppose the sprawling project, which includes three new substations and 90 miles of underground and underwater transmission lines. Three school districts filed a motion to dismiss the proceeding last week, citing concerns about a lack of information on environmental and health impacts.
Newsday also reported that Democratic Rep. Tom Souzzi opposes the Propel project, underscoring how politically fraught building transmission lines and energy infrastructure is in New York. — Marie J. French