“Never underestimate the power of a small group of committed people to change the world. In fact, it is the only thing that ever has.”
Margaret Mead
The Danskammer fracked-gas power plant on the Hudson River in the Town of Newburgh has been operating — approximately five days a year — since 1952. In 2018, the owners of the power plant announced their plans to build an additional plant at the site; this one would run virtually nonstop.
Local environmental groups and citizen activists sprung into action. Lobbying, writing to government officials, holding peaceful protests, and more.
In June 2024, after six years of opposition, Danskammer withdrew their application for a Title V air permit. Under the federal Clean Air Act, Danskammer cannot move forward with their proposal without this permit! This is a huge victory for local environmental justice communities, the Stop Danskammer Coalition, and everyone in the Hudson Valley and the Northeast!
Ned Sullivan, President of Scenic Hudson says: “This is a major victory for clean air in the Hudson Valley and the Northeast, and will head off the emission of almost 2 million tons of carbon per year. In addition to being terrible for people’s health, the new plant would have been terrible for the climate, too. We thank Governor Hochul, the DEC, and Representative Pat Ryan for their leadership in opposing the permitting of the project. We also commend residents and our environmental partners in the region, who joined with Scenic Hudson in the campaign to stop the plant. The people have spoken! Clean energy is the future in New York State.”
To learn more about Scenic Hudson’s commitment to advancing climate and environmental justice please click here.