by James Lane, Chapter Secretary
The Executive Committee of the Atlantic Chapter held its Fall 2010, meeting on October 16 in Albany. The ExCom had also conducted telephone conference call meetings in the preceding weeks to vote on Sierra Club political endorsements in the wake of the September primary.
On conservation issues, the ExCom approved Sierra Club participation in a lawsuit concerning the historic Stanford Home in Niskayuna. The town approved the development of the site for a shopping mall, including the relocation of the mansion, but did not comply with the State Environmental Quality Review Act.
The ExCom also voted to oppose the application of the Champlain Hudson River Power Express for a 355-mile electric transmission line from Canada to Yonkers. Although touted as a vehicle for wind- and solar-generated electricity, the line would facilitate dam building and consequent flooding in Quebec.
In administrative matters, the ExCom adopted new policies and procedures for litigation, increased the conservation budget by $5,000, and approved the expansion of the New York City Group ExCom (subject to the approval of the Group’s members and the national Club).