DEC Denial Stops Operation, SCRAM Responds

SLATE HILL – One day after the air permit expired for the Competitive Power Ventures fracked gas power plant in Wawayanda New York, the State Department of Environmental Conservation denied the company’s Air Facility Permit renewal application, citing failure to submit a federal Title V air permit application, usually required for plants of this size.

Protect Orange County submitted a letter to DEC on Tuesday, July 31 requesting denial of the permit based on several facts including the lack of an accurate greenhouse gas emissions analysis, documented health impacts, and invalid emissions reduction credits. However, central to all those issues was the corruption involved. Evidence presented during the trial of former Cuomo aide Joseph Percoco, along with CPV executive Peter Braith Kelly revealed a lengthy quid-pro-quo bribery scheme to facilitate the project’s approvals along with other benefits.

“While this is a step in the right direction and we are deeply grateful for DEC’s denial we cannot declare victory until all operations cease, deconstruction commences, and the Millennium expansion comes to a grinding halt.” Said Pramilla Malick, the Chair of Protect Orange County.

The Eastern System Upgrade expansion is underway in both Orange and Sullivan Counties which is designed to help gas flow to the CPV Power Plant. Sullivan County Residents Against Millennium have been leading the opposition to that project which is currently threatening water resources, as well as tearing up critical forests and farmland.

“Although we applaud Governor Cuomo and NYS DEC for their decision to deny the air permit renewal for CPV, it is, however, premature to celebrate. If NY is serious about its energy policy, it is essential that CPV is decommissioned and Millennium Pipeline ESU construction is halted and rolled back.

There are still many unanswered questions about how these projects received their permits and we encourage AG Barbara Underwood to conduct a vigorous investigation. Until that time, we will continue to raise awareness around these unwanted and unlawful projects, as well as shine a spotlight on the politicians and lobbyists who, despite widespread community opposition, facilitated their building in the first place.”, said George Billard, Co-Founder – SCRAM