BINGHAMTON, NY (WSKG) - The New York legislature returns to work this morning and Finger Lakes Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R-C-I) sees it as another chance to kill a proposed trash incinerator in the town of Romulus.
When last year’s legislative session ended, Palmesano was frustrated that a bill, which he co-sponsored, was never brought for a vote. It would have halted a Rochester company's plans to build an incinerator on the shore of Seneca Lake, in Romulus.
"There’s no need for this project," said Palemsano. "There’s no support anywhere across the region and we’re gonna do everything we can to stop this project from going forward."
In 2018, the bill passed the state Senate by a unanimous vote. In the State Assembly, it was trapped within a political tussle between the Democrats who control that house and the Republican-led Senate. That tussle was over legislation that only affected speed cameras in New York City school zones. However, Palemsano's incinerator bill was caught in the middle and died in committee.
Now, it must be re-introduced in both houses. Along with the other co-sponsors, Palmesano says they will push legislative leaders for quick action.
"So, it’s my hope that now that we have a new legislature," he said, "the politics are over and we can act on this legislation and pass this bill."
Governor Cuomo announced his opposition to the incinerator last summer.