Danskammer Withdraws Permit Application for Polluting Fracked-Gas Power Plant in Newburgh
For Immediate Release
CONTACT:
Riley Johndonnell, Director of Communications & Creative Strategies
845 473 4440 Ext. 222, rjohndonnell@scenichudson.org
TOWN OF NEWBURGH (Orange County) – Yesterday Danskammer Energy formally withdrew their application for a Title V air permit to construct a new gas-fired generating facility at the site of their current plant north of the City of Newburgh. Without this permit, under the federal Clean Air Act, Danskammer cannot move forward with their proposal.
Although the plant currently operates intermittently during periods of peak demand (only about five days a year!), the proposed modification would have allowed it to operate continuously – dramatically increasing greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollution. This is a huge victory for environmental justice communities in the region and a boon to the goals of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions statewide.
The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) had previously denied Danskammer’s application for a permit under the CLCPA. Danskammer commenced two appeals of DEC’s decision: a lawsuit in the New York Supreme Court and an administrative appeal before DEC. In June 2022, the Supreme Court upheld DEC’s decision and agreed that the CLCPA mandated denial of permits that would be inconsistent with the state’s climate goals.
Ned Sullivan, President of Scenic Hudson said, “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. We salute and thank Governor Kathy Hochul for taking a stand to defend the nation-leading Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. We commend residents and our environmental partners in the region, who joined with Scenic Hudson in opposing the permitting of the project.”
“The application withdrawal brings us one step closer towards the ultimate goal of ending fossil fuel-powered generation at the site entirely, and to achieving New York State’s vision for a clean energy future,” said Pete Lopez, Executive Director for Science, Policy and Advocacy at Scenic Hudson.
Stephen Ballentine, Scenic Hudson’s Director of Environmental Advocacy and Public Policy said, “This decision is a major victory for all people throughout the Hudson Valley. It’s a shining example of what can be accomplished when a variety of people and organizations work together to focus on one goal. The Stop Danskammer Coalition should be applauded for its role in achieving this environmental milestone.”
For more information:
https://defendthevalley.org/campaign/stop-the-plant
https://www.scenichudson.org/our-work/advocacy/danskammer-power-plant
https://stoptheplant.org
