The Albany Times Union reports that the deadline for public comments, or in this case, nonbinding "expressions of interest" for a transmission line under the Hudson is Dec. 22. Now, though, the Empire State Connector Corp. of Albany, has permission from the Federal Energy Regulatory Agency to start selling rights of the proposed $1.5 billion underground transmission line from Utica to New York City. The Empire State Connector would be buried under the Erie Canal and the Hudson River on its way to New York City, perhaps carrying electricity from hydro power or nuclear energy to Manhattan residents. The newspaper does not quote anyone opposing the transmission line under the Hudson River, but John Douglas, CEO of the Empire State Connector said in a statement. "It creates significant upstate economic growth, spurs the development and use of clean, renewable energy, helps better tie together New York's massive electric grid with highly-controllable transmission technology and delivers low carbon energy into New York City." Read the full story in The Albany Times Union.