Probe
Wind-energy companies face investigation
A probe of two companies that develop and operate wind farms has been opened over claims that the two have improperly dealt with public officials and behaved anticompetitive.
The probe was opened by New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, whose office has subpoenaed First Wind - formerly UPC Wind - and Noble Environmental Power LLC. Cuomo’s spokesman, John Milgrim, said the office had complaints from counties all over the state. Citizens, public-interest groups and local officials “from Franklin all the way over to Erie" contacted the office to complain about the issues.
Mr. Cuomo said that, despite the fact that the use of wind power must be encouraged in order to help clean out air and end the United States’ reliance on fossil fuels, the issue of public integrity “remains a top priority of my office.”
“If dirty tricks are used to facilitate even clean-energy projects, my office will put a stop to it," Cuomo added.
The investigation will try to find out whether the companies improperly sought or obtained land-use agreements with citizens and public officials, whether public officials have been influenced by receiving improper benefits and if the wind farms have had anticompetitive agreements or anticompetitive practices.
Chester, Connecticut-based Noble Environmental is operating three wind farms and five in development in Clinton, Franklin, Allegany, Chautauqua and Wyoming counties. On the other hand, First Wind, based in Newton, Mass., is operating three wind farms and is developing 48 others across the country. First Wind has wind farms in development in Steuben, Chautauqua, Genesee and Wyoming counties in New York.
Noble Environmental said Tuesday in a statement it has received the subpoena and will review it to fully cooperate with the Attorney General.
"We are confident the Attorney General's inquiry will find that Noble's actions have been legal and proper, and we look forward to his review," the statement concludes.
(Published by eFlux Media - july 16, 2008)