At that time, Rockland County executive Vanderhoef submitted testimony at the hearings. After those sessions, the Hudson Valley County executives met in Rockland County at the end of last year, discussed their mutual concerns about skyrocketing electric rates and fuel costs in the wake of deregulation, and brainstormed on possible regional actions.

In the memorandum, the counties agreed to study the reasons behind the volatility in the energy market and discuss the problems affecting the production and distribution of electricity, heating oil, natural gas and gasoline. They also agreed to work to provide the region with adequate and safe supplies of electricity in order to limit and eventually eliminate the threat of brownouts and blackouts and develop programs and strategies in an effort to lower energy rates to residential and business consumers.

Other initiatives outlined in the memorandum were: explore means of securing additional hydroelectric power; further research options for the aggregation or purchase of electricity in order to obtain more favorable electric rates; and cooperate in working with Federal and state authorities for the protection of residential and commercial consumers. They also plan to develop a strategy to ensure the public is able to access the energy it needs at a reasonable cost. The counties also expressed a desire to explore ways to heighten awareness of the need for businesses and residents to conserve energy.