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What's the issue?
The Danskammer Generating Station in Newburgh, New York, has been operating since 1952. It only runs a few days a year as a “peaker” facility (when there is peak demand). Its owners, Danskammer Energy, were seeking to build a new gas-fired facility next to the old one that would run virtually nonstop.
What's our vision?
Building a new plant would present a number of hazards and set the state back on its clean energy goals. A new plant would emit far more pollution than the existing plant, the risk of potential fuel spills is too high, and there just isn’t the demand for it.
Renewable energy projects are smarter alternatives and can generate just as many jobs while moving us in the right direction in terms of cutting down greenhouse gas emissions.
We see clear skies and clean water ahead for the Hudson Valley! Let’s take a deep breath, support the development of renewable energy, and do away with outdated power plants that pollute our skies, affect our health, and contribute to climate change.
What's the status?
In June 2024, Danskammer withdrew their application for a Title V air permit. Under the federal Clean Air Act, Danskammer can not move forward with their proposal without this permit! This is a huge victory for local environmental justice communities — and everyone in the Hudson Valley and the Northeast!
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 October 2021 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.
In June 2023, rather than continuing to fight the permit denial in court or at the DEC, Danskammer moved to pause the proceedings for one year. Now, while it’s a huge win that Danskammer has withdrawn their permit application, the fight to stop the plant is not over! Danskammer may still try to build a new plant on the Hudson that emits toxic pollutants.
Stay tuned for updates and opportunities to get involved and make sure that a new polluting power plant is not built on the shores of the Hudson!
Know the lingo
The following key terms are important to understanding the issues around this campaign.
Article 10 Certificate from the New York State Siting Board
Authorizes the construction and operation of major electric generating facilities in New York State.
Article 10 Law
New York State Public Service law governs the permitting and siting of major electric generating facilities larger than 25 megawatts. It streamlines the permitting process and supersedes all other state and local permitting/review processes.
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
Devices enabling energy from renewables (e.g., solar and wind) to be stored and released when needed. They are essential to a clean energy grid to compensate for the intermittent nature of renewable energy production.
Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA)
Signed into law on July 18, 2019, it is among the world’s most ambitious climate laws. It requires New York to reduce economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions 40% by 2030 and no less than 85% by 2050 from 1990 levels.
Municipal Resolution
An official statement documenting the position or policy of a city, village, or town.
NYSERDA
The New York State Energy Research & Development Authority provides analysis, programs, technical expertise, and funding to increase energy efficiency, use renewable energy, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Title V Air Permit
Issued pursuant to the federal Clean Air Act for major air pollution sources. In New York State, the U.S. EPA has delegated authority for issuing the permits to the Department of Environmental Conservation.
Peaker vs. Baseload Energy Plant
A baseload power plant is the backbone of the electric grid, running nearly all the time and providing a constant source of electricity. A peaker plant runs for short periods of time to help the electricity system meet high (peak) demand.
STOP THE PLANT!
Become a Valley Defender to get updates on this issue and learn about ways to get involved.
What can you do now?
READ THE PRESS RELEASE from Scenic Hudson supporting Danskammer’s permit withdrawal.
GET MORE DETAILS. Want to understand what’s going on better? Get our toolkit, find out about the history of the campaign, and watch previous webinars on this topic on the campaign website: STOP THE PLANT.
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