July-18-2008
Cuomo investigating alleged 'dirty tricks' in local windmill projects
STATEWIDE—State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo launches an investigation aimed at two out of state companies developing wind farms in Lackawanna and across New York .[1]
"We've had a number of complaints from counties all over the state, from Franklin all the way over to Erie," said John Milgrim, spokesman for Attorney General Andrew Cuomo. Franklin County District Attorney Derek Champagne was among "DAs from eight counties, public officials and citizens" who bombarded Albany with complaints about Noble and Massachusetts-based First Wind, formerly known as UPC Wind, he said. Subpoenas were served on both companies Tuesday, seeking an assortment of documents pertaining to agreements and easements obtained from property owners and public officials.[7] Attorney General Andrew Cuomo says the investigation was launched against First Wind, formerly UPC Wind, which developed the Steel Winds turbine, and Noble Environmental Power after complaints made by residents and public officials alike.[8] Back in May, wind-farm opponents pressed the state Attorney General's Office for an investigation into allegations of false claims, filing false instruments, bribery of public officials, larceny and fraud. Those accused by Cohocton Wind Watch of illegal actions are the Steuben County Industrial Development Agency, SCIDA Executive Director James Sherron, town and planning board members in several towns including Cohocton and Prattsburgh, and wind developers EcoGen and First Wind. Allegations by citizens' group include: the wind developers knowingly provided and submitted false statements and false instruments for permits and during environmental studies; the developers improperly influenced public officials through cash bribes, lucrative lease terms, bogus real estate transactions, purchase of personal property and contingent real estate purchase offers; developers seeking leases for wind turbine sites or easements for access roads and transmission lines have lied to convince landowners to sign away their rights.[9]
Overview of subpoenas issued
The subpoenas issued Tuesday were for all documents related to benefits conferred to an individual or entity in connection with wind farms; all agreements, easements or contracts regarding placement of wind turbines; agreements between wind companies that could indicate anti-competitive practices; and anything pertaining to payments or benefits received from local, state or federal agencies, according to Cuomo's office.[4] The subpoenas also seek all agreements on the placement of wind turbines, any non-compete clauses, and any payments to or benefits received from local, state or federal agencies.[3]
First Wind has three operational wind farms and 48 others in development across the country, according to its Web site. [9] Wind farm opponents were thrilled by the news that Cuomo's office is looking into the two developers. "We're ecstatic that is finally listening to what New York State taxpayers have been saying: that this is nothing but a total rip-off of the taxpayer," said Judy Hall, a member of Cohocton Wind Watch, which is fighting a First Wind wind farm in its community. Hall complained that communities aren't made aware of proposed wind farms until they're already approved and accused local leaders and developers of striking under-the-table deals to get the projects approved.[4] First Wind, which has several wind power generation projects in upstate, and Noble Environmental Power, which has projects in Western New York, are being looked at by Cuomo for possible anti-competitive practices.[2]
Noble Environmental Power has wind farm projects in Allegany, Chatauqua, and Wyoming Counties.[8] Chester, Connecticut-based Noble Environmental is operating three wind farms and five in development in Clinton, Franklin, Allegany, Chautauqua and Wyoming counties.[6]
First Wind has wind farms in development in Steuben, Chautauqua, Genesee and Wyoming counties in New York.[6] First Wind, according to Cuomo, have been developing wind farms in Erie County and has wind farms in development in Steuben, Chautauqua, Genesee and Wyoming counties.[3] First Wind has three operational wind farms and 48 others under development across the United States and in Steuben, Chautauqua, Genesee and Wyoming counties.[7] First Wind built the Steel Winds project along Lake Erie in the city of Lackawanna and has wind farms in development in Steuben, Chautauqua, Genesee and Wyoming (GenWY Wind) counties.[1]
the use of wind power, like all renewable energy sources, "The use of wind power, like all renewable energy sources, should be encouraged to help clean our air and end our reliance on fossil fuels," Cuomo said in a statement. "However, public integrity remains a top priority of my office and if dirty tricks are used to facilitate even clean-energy projects, my office will put a stop to it," he said.[4] In a written statement, Cuomo said the use of wind power is encouraged. He added that if dirty tricks are involved, his office will intervene. [5]
SOURCES
1. Wind farm deals under investigation - Business First of Buffalo:
2. Wind farm developers being investigated by state attorney general: Home: The Buffalo News
3. Cuomo investigates wind companies | PoughkeepsieJournal.com | Poughkeepsie Journal
4. Cuomo investigating alleged 'dirty tricks' in local windmill projects: City & Region: The Buffalo News
5. wbfo Newsroom
6. Wind-energy Companies Face Investigation
7. The Press Republican - Noble wind-energy firm under investigation
8. WBEN 930 : NYS Investigates Steel Winds Developer
9. Wind companies being investigated - Rochester, NY - MPNnow
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