Permits for construction of a new natural gas run power plant, along the Hudson River, submitted by Danskammer Energy, were denied by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) on Wednesday October 27.

Daniel Whitehead, Director of the Division for Environmental Permits for the DEC issued a notice of denial of Title V Air Permits to the applicant, noting that the project would interfere with state Environmental Conservation Law intended to reduce statewide greenhouse gas emission. The proposed facility would be located in the Town of Newburgh and would replace the current facility.

“Moreover,” Whitehead wrote, “Danskammer has not demonstrated that the project is justified as it has failed to show either a short-term or long-term reliability need for the project. Nor has Danskammer identified adequate alternatives of (greenhouse gas) GHG mitigation measures.”

The letter states the proposed site for Danskammer would have a new natural gas-fired generating facility producing 536 net megawatts (MW) worth of power. 532 MW are already produced on site. The letter notes that during the months of June to September, the department read and reviewed over 4,500 public comments on the matter. Materials submitted by Danskammer over the course of the decision process were reviewed by the DEC during that time.

Local elected officials were pleased with the determination.

“New York State has committed itself to a carbon-free future,” said Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson (D-Newburgh) “and I welcome the opportunity to work with labor, local officials, and environmental advocates to develop an alternative plan that will ensure the reliability of New York’s electrical grid, provide good-paying jobs, and protect the revenue of affected communities.”

State Senator James Skoufis (D-Woodbury) said he stands ready to partner with local communities, building trades, and environmental stakeholders “to put forward a project for the existing Danskammer site that both aligns with New York’s climate laws and serves the needs of our area.”

“For years community members from across the Hudson Valley have rallied against the Danskammer project for its inconsistency with our NY State goals to help address climate change,” noted Orange County Legislator Kevindaryán Luján (D-Newburgh). “Through testimonies, letters, and marches, thousands of community residents have made it clear that they are not willing to compromise their environment for corporate gains and dirty energy in their backyard. This is a significant victory for our working-class people and for communities of color that would have been significantly impacted by this project.”

Whitehead, in his letter, noted that Danskammer Energy will have the legal right to request an administrative adjudicatory hearing, regarding permit denials. Danskammer will have 30 days from the letter date to make any requests.

Michelle Hook, Vice President of Public Affairs for Danskammer, declined to make any comments when contacted last week.