When Clean Power and Public Interest Conflict: The Cancellation of the 1989 Contract between Hydro-Quebec and the New York Power Authority

Abstract

This paper analyzes the 1990 to 1992 public interest campaign that prompted the cancellation of a purchase agreement between Hydro-Quebec and the New York Power Authority in March 1992. This campaign was led by the James Bay Defense Coalition and the Grand Council of the Cree (of Quebec) and brought together many diverse public and private groups. Fueled by the social, ethical, environmental, and health issues that emerged from the proposed import of hydroelectricity, the campaign forced Governor Cuomo to reconsider and eventually cancel the contract. The successful campaign was a synergistic combination of four primary fronts: lobbying activities, legal action, public awareness efforts, and economic arguments. These interdependent and complementary fronts persuaded New York officials to reconsider the purchase and reevaluate the costs and benefits of alternative sources of energy.