Legal Challenge to Transmission Expansion
Three school districts in Nassau County—North Shore, Roslyn, and Syosset—have formally requested that the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) dismiss or deny the application for the Propel NY Energy transmission project. The motion, filed on July 29, 2026, alleges that the current evidentiary record is insufficient for the commission to legally approve the 90-mile underground transmission line project under Article VII of the Public Service Law.
The districts, which serve over 13,000 students, argue that the project developers have failed to adequately evaluate the potential environmental, health, and safety impacts on local schools. The filing emphasizes that the commission cannot issue a certificate of environmental compatibility and public need without a complete record, specifically regarding the proximity of high-voltage lines to educational facilities and playgrounds.
Concerns Over Operations and Safety
The core of the districts’ opposition centers on the disruption of daily school operations. According to the filing, the construction phase threatens to impede student transportation, emergency access, and instructional environments. The school districts reject the characterization of these disruptions as merely “temporary,” arguing that the health and safety of students must be protected by enforceable standards rather than being addressed at a later, post-certification stage.
Furthermore, the districts contend that the existing record lacks sufficient data to assess the long-term impact of electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure near school sites. By refusing to sign a joint settlement proposal reached in April by New York Transco, the New York Power Authority, and other state agencies, the districts have signaled that the current mitigation measures are inadequate to address their specific operational and safety concerns.
Developer Response and Project Status
Propel NY Energy has defended the project as a vital component of grid reliability and resiliency. Spokeswoman Marykate Guilfoyle stated that the company has actively engaged with municipalities and school districts throughout the process. According to Propel NY, the project has already incorporated feedback by limiting construction hours near schools and coordinating construction sequences to avoid peak traffic times.
The developer maintains that the project adheres to all New York state standards regarding electric and magnetic fields and has committed to conducting post-construction testing to verify compliance. Propel NY also noted that underground 345-kilovolt transmission lines are a standard, proven technology already in use within Nassau County.