Press Releases

Today Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) issued the following statement regarding the proposed battery storage project in the Town of Carmel:

Over the past few weeks, I’ve had a number of residents from Mahopac and Somers contact my office with concerns regarding the proposed battery storage project in the Town of Carmel. It is imperative that the Carmel Planning Board and NYS conduct a thorough environmental impact review and assess the potential impacts of the project, including to air quality, the water table, and health outcomes for local residents and neighborhoods surrounding the property — as well as fire related concerns.

This is why I was so opposed to both the energy decisions by New York State, as well as Governor Hochul’s attempted takeover of local zoning and planning boards in her 2023 budget. Decisions that impact local communities need to be made by the residents of them. I encourage all residents of Somers and Carmel to voice their opinions, whether for or against, to the planning board as this proposal is being considered.

New York's 17th Congressional District is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.