Hochul’s nomination for NY Power Authority isn’t approved
The New York state Senate has dealt Governor Kathy Hochul a blow by refusing to approve her preferred pick to lead the New York Power Authority (NYPA). Justin Driscoll, the interim chief of NYPA, has been criticized by the political left for his apparent lack of enthusiasm for expanding green energy projects, as well as reports of past discrimination against black employees at the state-owned electric utility. Mr. Driscoll did not receive sufficient votes to be confirmed in a floor vote. The move is just the latest political setback for the newly elected governor, who has faced a bruising six-month legislative session that has included the failed nomination of Hector LaSalle as chief judge and a rejected housing plan.
FAQs:
What is the NYPA?
The New York Power Authority is the largest state-owned electric utility in the United States. It produces and sells electricity to government agencies, schools, hospitals, and businesses throughout the state of New York.
Why was Justin Driscoll not confirmed as NYPA’s permanent CEO?
Driscoll faced criticism from the political left and labor groups for his lack of enthusiasm for expanding green energy projects, as well as past allegations of discrimination against black employees at NYPA.
Who opposed Driscoll’s nomination?
Opponents of the nomination included progressive senators, democratic socialists, and labor groups like 1199 SEIU, who questioned the wisdom of placing a longtime supporter of Republicans at the helm of NYPA.
Will Justin Driscoll continue to lead NYPA?
Yes, he will continue to lead NYPA on an acting basis after serving in that role for the past 18 months, according to the Hochul administration.
NY Power Authority denies approval of Hochul’s nomination.
On Friday, the New York State Senate dealt a political blow to Governor Kathy Hochul by refusing to confirm her preferred pick to lead the New York Power Authority (NYPA). Justin Driscoll, the interim chief of NYPA, faced criticism from the political left over his lack of enthusiasm for expanding green energy projects, as well as reports of past discrimination against black employees at the state-owned electric utility. Driscoll lacked the votes to get confirmed in a floor vote, according to a source familiar with the matter.
Governor Hochul’s bruising six-month legislative session has included the failed nomination of Hector LaSalle as chief judge, a rejected housing plan, and other political setbacks. The thwarted gubernatorial move punctuates a legislative session expected to wrap up by Saturday.
The Democratic supermajority led by state Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins will not hold a floor vote on confirming Driscoll. Hochul eventually succeeded in getting liberal Rowan Wilson confirmed as chief judge of the state Court of Appeals.
Opponents of Driscoll included progressive senators and labor groups like 1199 SEIU who questioned the wisdom of placing a longtime supporter of Republicans at the helm of NYPA. The rejected nominee will continue to lead NYPA on an acting basis after serving in that role for the past 18 months, according to the Hochul administration.