ALBANY – The State Senate has passed legislation requiring a higher level of review by the Department of Environmental Conservation in order to issue permits or renewals for fossil fuel-fired power plants.
Under the new standard in the bill sponsored by Senator Jennifer Metzger (D, Rosendale), a facility must demonstrate that its operation is consistent with the targets and goals of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act and does not adversely affect public health and safety, agriculture, viewshed, noise pollution, tourism and recreational opportunities, community character, or environmental justice communities.
Metzger said the bill would apply to the Wawayanda-based Competitive Ventures – CPV – plant, which is operating and has a Title V air quality permit application under review by the DEC.
“From my own perspective, that power plant should have never been permitted in the first place, but the argument is even stronger today. We passed the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, which sets the most aggressive goals to tackle climate change in the country. That is now the law of the land in New York State,” she said.
According to the state legislature’s bill lookup website, there is no companion measure in the Assembly.
