Do Not Rush on Danskammer, O.C. Legislator’s Opinion

At a recent Newburgh City Council meeting, residents shared their reservations about proposed upgrades to the Danskammer power plant. I listened as people of all ages spoke on this issue long into the night. Labor union members recommended that the Council wait to make decisions until there was more information. Council members voiced their own concerns.
The conversation was impassioned but respectful as it highlighted two seemingly opposing views. On one side: support for much-needed job opportunities On the other: concerns about the impact on air and water quality in the greater Newburgh region.

To date at least seven neighboring communities have passed resolutions against the proposed upgrades. Environmental organizations have provided hundreds of pages of data on the impact this plant could have on our region. Yet this week labor unions and Danskammer representatives urged the County Legislature to rush through a resolution without hearing both sides of the issue.

I have met with officials from Danskammer and labor several times. I also have spoken with numerous environmental groups and other stakeholders over the past few months. On almost every topic, there were conflicting statistics and reports from a wide variety of sources.

Along with the issue revolving around data and pending reports, I believe several lingering questions also remain to be addressed. These questions include but are not limited to:
• Do we need this plant in order to meet NY state demand, or would the upgrades just produce surplus power? The most recent report I read, which was submitted to my colleagues in the legislature for review, suggests that the answer is the latter.
• Are there no other locations in the state of NY that can help offset the need, if there is in fact a need, for more energy?
• Would the upgraded plant really be “cleaner?” A 300-page report that was provided to the legislature discusses the many risks associated with gas power and the need for alternatives.

What is most important is making a fully informed decision. At a time when several local communities have submitted resolutions against this plant and neighboring counties are considering doing the same, we should not rush to a decision. The Town of Newburgh and the City of Newburgh – the Orange County municipalities that would be most affected – have yet to fully weigh in on this issue. The County, likewise, should wait until Danskammer has submitted its full application and we have a full picture of what they are planning.

Absolutely, this issue is complicated. I fully support workers having prevailing-wage jobs. Yet I also believe we can achieve this outcome with a better, more environmentally conscious and forward-thinking project – one that doesn’t potentially endanger our communities, our families and our future.

At a recent County Legislature Rules Committee meeting, I proposed tabling this resolution until we had heard from a variety of groups as a body and could make a more informed decision. The Legislature should not impose our views before reviewing all the relevant data.

If labor is requesting that communities wait at the local level, as I witnessed first-hand in the City of Newburgh, there is no reason why we should be rushing at the county level. The legislature should table this resolution until we have more information available. We also should urge Danskammer to shift to a greener alternative that would create more jobs and be a long-term investment we can all be proud of.

As a county legislator, I often find myself thinking about what legacy I want to leave future generations.

A too-hastily-approved power plant is not it.

Kevindaryán Luján is an Orange County Legislator representing the 4th Legislative District.
(This opinion piece are my own personal views and not necessarily those shared by the Orange County Legislature’s Democratic Caucus)