Stop the Plant
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What's the issue?
The Danskammer Generating Station in Newburg, New York, has been operating since 1952. It operates only a few days a year as a “peaker” facility (when there is peak demand). Its owners, Danskammer Energy, wish 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. The new plant will 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 Let’s take a deep breath, support the development of renewable energy, and do away with outdated power plants that pollute our skies, affect our health, and contribute to climate change.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?
After much public input, in October 2021, the New York Department Of Environmental Conservation (DEC) denied Danskammer Energy a Title V Air Permit, which is required for construction.
Danskammer Energy fought back, appealing the ruling. Again, the public rallied to oppose it, and in June 2022, a state Supreme Court justice upheld the rejection of the permit.
In October 2021, the DEC denied Danskammer required air permits based on the project’s inconsistency with New York’s landmark Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). Danskammer filed suit in state court challenging DEC’s decision, but the court affirmed the DEC had authority to deny the permit and dismissed the case.
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. At the end of the year, Danskammer has indicated that it will withdraw or modify its application for a permit to build a new plant. While this represents an important victory, the fight to stop the plant is far from 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 we stop the plant!
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.
What can you do now?
SIGN THE PETITION. Let Gov. Kathy Hochul and D.E.C. Commissioner Basil Seggos know we don’t need a new power plant.
PASS A RESOLUTION in Your Community. Urge your local officials to pass a resolution opposing a new Danskammer plant. Download a sample resolution.
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.
ADD YOUR VOICE! We bring the voices of the Hudson Valley directly to the decision makers and policy makers shaping our future.
