TOWN OF NEWBURGH – Hudson Valley residents remain divided over the proposed Danskammer Energy Center power plant in the Town of Newburgh, entering into almost a year’s long PSC hearing cycle regarding the proposed plant’s Article 10 environmental compatibility permits.
Tuesday evening, during the latest PSC public hearing, concerned locals spoke in favor and against the 536-megawatt, 720 yearly load-hour, natural gas, and ultra-low sulfur diesel power plant.
Those in favor of the plant during the hearings have been primarily from local unions, citing job creation being a major advantage to the local economy.
James Nester, a sheet metal worker from Local 38, said he and laborers like him depend on the jobs that are created through projects like the Danskammer Power plant.
“Us construction workers count on jobs, good-paying jobs like this, to support our families so I am in favor of it,” said Nester.
Those opposed, who have represented the largest majority of speakers at these public hearings, have argued that the plant is not only unnecessary to meet the energy goal of the Hudson Valley, but is in conflict with the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
Director of Environmental Advocacy and Legal Affairs for Scenic Hudson, Hayley Carlock, said that renewable energy presents a more sustainable future for New Yorkers, both economically and environmentally.
“This plant would clearly be inconsistent with the greenhouse gas reduction goals enshrined in the Climate Act,” said Carlock. “New York also does not need the Danskammer Project to meet customer load, or to balance the integration of renewables. Synapse found that New York can reliably meet all of its system needs and projected needs into the future with renewables, battery storage [inaudible] and do so at a lower cost than building the Danskammer Plant,” she said.
Area resident Melissa Hoffman spoke against the plant.
“I am angry that New York is ignoring the needs of the people already being impacted by climate change and water pollution by the fossil fuel industry. I believe we can do better to stop the devastation of climate change and transition away from all fossil fuels,” she said. “I know a cleaner, safer New York is possible, one where the fossil fuel industry doesn’t force people to make the choice between jobs and protecting the environment.”
The PSC is still accepting public comments that can be addressed to Hon. Michelle L. Phillips Secretary Board on Electric Generation Siting and the Environment, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223, or www.dps.ny.gov, then search 18-F-0325 comments to submit public comments.
