WAWAYANDA – The controversial CPV power plant is now producing electricity, the company announced on Monday.
“After nearly 10 years of development and construction, we are providing significant value to the area and New York,” said CPV CEO Gary Lambert. “This facility will enhance the reliability of the Lower Hudson Valley electric system, reduce annual electricity costs to New York consumers by a forecasted $700 million while reducing carbon emissions by an estimated 500,000 tons a year.”
Officials touted the “substantial economic benefits to help support local and regional development” by saying more than 3,000 union workers built the plant and now 23 full-time, “skilled professionals” work there.
The facility will provide over $1 billion to the local economy, CPV said.
Orange County Partnership President Maureen Halahan said the facility fits within her agency’s mission “to create jobs, expand the regional tax base and support infrastructure expansion.”
The grassroots group Protect Orange County has consistently opposed the plant contending it will negatively impact the environment.
The plant primarily uses natural gas, with diesel as a backup (CPV photo)
