ALBANY – New York Regional Interconnect has been endorsed by Unions for Jobs and the Environment (UJAE), a group consisting of 12 unions in the energy, transportation, construction and other industries.

UJAE member unions include the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Utility Workers Union of America and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Combined, they represent more than 3.2 million workers.

UJAE president Bill Cunningham has announced support of the proposed 190-mile, 1,200 megawatt electrical transmission line project and has begun lobbying federal and state lawmakers on NYRI’s behalf.

According to NYRI President Chris Thompson, the endorsement came as a result of efforts by the company to garner support from civic, labor and business organizations.

“More and more people recognize how critical energy initiatives are to our country,” said Thompson. “More and more people from all sides and all walks of life are being more supportive.”