Scott Waldman is reporting at Capital New York the Champlain Hudson Power Express is facing a series of challenges that threaten its completion. The power corridor would connect 1,000 megawatts of Canadian hydropower to the New York City market. It would run through Lake Champlain and down the Hudson to New York City. Construction on the 333-mile project was to have begun two years ago, but the project has not received final permits and needs key federal energy market exemptions to remain economically viable. Observers say the $2.2 billion price tag is way under budget, and the planned main source of hydropower has not committed to the project yet. If built, the line would bring a major source of renewable, emissions-free energy into the state. The profitability of the Champlain Hudson Power Express project was originally based on the difference between the low cost of Canadian hydropower and high electricity prices in New York City. However, the infusion of natural gas as a result of fracking has closed that gap since the line was proposed. And the state's Energy Highway project to bring upstate power downstate through new power lines is on hold. Later this year, the state Department of Public Service will determine whether the transmissions lines are even needed. Read the full story at Capital New York.