Interesting News Around the State . . .

Albany: State defends greenhouse gas program

"This lawsuit was not filed because of the individual plaintiffs suffering any injury from the program -- but as part of a cause to bring down RGGI in New York," according to legal papers filed last week by Attorney General Eric Schneiderman in state Supreme Court in Albany County. 

The RGGI program itself was part of a cause . . . Gov Patacki's symbolic attempt at being "green" -- significantly raising our electric rates with no possibility at all of significantly improving the environment.

Albany: Fracking ban not city's call

Burns' memo specifically cites a section of state environmental law that says it "supersedes all local laws or ordinances relating to the regulation of the oil, gas and solution mining industries" ... "We do run the potential risk that this law may be litigated," Burns said. 

Rochester: Sen. Charles Schumer seeks to salvage PAETEC project, jobs

Sen. Charles Schumer, concerned that Windstream Corp.'s proposed purchase of PAETEC Holding Corp. has jeopardized plans for a downtown headquarters and local jobs, is asking state and federal regulatory agencies to consider those issues when reviewing the deal. 

Just what is needed for economic development in NY . . . government interference with business decisions.

Albany and Syracuse: Our taxes propping up development in government picked areas:

Good news, but shhhhhh!     Syracuse's University Hill area, despite shaky economy, is home to more than $780 million in new construction

Albany:  Health exchange lags at $38.7M

The state has made little headway toward building a health exchange, but with $38.7 million in grants, New York still leads the nation in receiving money for one. 

NY sure knows how to spend grants!