Nassau Supervisors Blast Danger of Kathy Hochul's NYS Electric Grid "Propel" Project

By Leader Staff

The three Town Supervisors from Nassau County - North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino, and Hempstead Supervisor John Ferretti - blasted NY Governor Kathy Hochul (D-Buffalo) over her secretive proposed "Propel" electric transmission project that threatens to smother Long Island neighborhoods with electric wires and massive battery storage facilities, to benefit New York City and upstate.

"Critical questions remain unanswered before the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC)," stated the three Supervisors in a joint press release. "Without transparency, accountability, and real protection for residents, this project cannot move forward."

The Town officials emphasized that their top priority is protecting residents—not rubber-stamping a project that could raise costs, threaten public safety, and disrupt communities. The Hochuil plan would dig-up hundreds of miles of roads and public parks to accommodate her proposed new high voltage grid - with dozens of dangerous high voltage battery storage sites. 

Town of Hempstead Supervisor John Ferretti stated, “Nassau County families are already stretched thin. We will not allow them to be saddled with higher utility bills for a project that may not even benefit them. Show us the numbers, show us the plan, and prove this is fair - or it should not move forward.”

The Supervisors identified several problems with the Hochul project: Massively Increased Electric rates; Threats from High Voltage Lines over private homes and businesses; Threats from Explosions and Fires at Battery Storage facilities; Massive Traffic Disruptions; and big Local Job losses from Outside Workers brough-in by Kathy Hochul.

“Our residents deserve straight answers—about costs, health impacts, and safety," stated Supervisor Jen DeSena. "Until we have full transparency and independent verification, we cannot and will not support this proposal.”

Skyrocketing Costs for Local RatepayersNassau residents already pay some of the highest utility rates in the nation. The Supervisors are demanding a full cost breakdown and clear answers on who benefits from this project. Bottom line: Nassau families should not foot the bill for infrastructure that serves other regions.

Public Health at RiskThe proposed 345kV transmission lines have raised serious concerns about electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure. Officials are calling for independent, route-wide testing, especially near homes, schools, and parks. Health and safety are non-negotiable.

Fire Risks from Battery Storage FacilitiesThe Supervisors are pressing for answers on whether this project is tied to Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) planned for Long Island. Local fire departments have warned of dangerous “thermal runaway” fires that are extremely difficult to control and can release toxic fumes.First responder and community safety must come first.

Traffic Chaos and Road DamageConstruction could mean major traffic disruption—and history shows utility companies often leave roads in worse shape than they found them. The Town Supervisors are demanding full curb-to-curb restoration, not temporary patch jobs that leave taxpayers holding the bag.

Protect Local JobsSupervisors are calling for union labor and Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) to ensure local workers benefit—not out-of-state contractors. If Nassau bears the burden, Nassau should get the jobs.

“We have seen what happens when infrastructure projects cut corners - our roads suffer, our first responders are put at risk, and taxpayers are left picking up the pieces," stated Oyster Bay Supervisor Joe Saladino. "That's not happening here: If this project moves forward, it must meet the highest standards while employing local labor.”

The Town Supervisors are calling for immediate answers and a formal briefing before the project advances any further.

“We support smart energy policy—but not at the expense of our residents’ wallets, safety, or quality of life," stated the Supervisors jointly. "No transparency, no accountability—no deal.”