Why is the New York state contemplating giving new life to what was one of the worst coal polluting plants in the country?
With coal power responsible for thousands of deaths annually and a host of major pollution problems, including high-levels of carbon pollution and other toxic emissions that lead to smog, soot, and asthma, New York must move beyond this energy source.
At issue is the Danskammer coal plant in Newburgh, whose two coal producing units generate 386 megawatts of electricity, enough power for approximately 350,000 New York homes.
Danskammer's previous owner declared bankruptcy and the plant was also severely damaged by Superstorm Sandy. The New York Public Service Commission also issued an order on April 22, 2013, that the plant be closed in 180 days.
On Oct. 28, however, the commission suddenly and dramatically reversed itself, opening the possibility that the plant could come back online.
Fortunately, a diverse group of organizations are working to prevent this.
In a December 2 letter to the PSC, the Sierra Club says, "Danskammer is one of the dirtiest remaining coal plants in the East. According to data from EPA's Clean Air Markets Database, only six coal units on the East Coast had a higher sulfur dioxide emission rate than Danskammer Unit 4 in 2012 and have not announced an intention to retire, repower, or install emission controls."
According to the Sierra Club, Earthjustice, and the National Parks Conservation Association, Danskammer has been "... responsible for more toxic pollution than nearly all of the total 646 industrial sites in the state." Indeed, Danskammer would need to make major improvements in its environmental compliance to meet federal standards and be operational after July 1.
The stated reason from the PSC for considering Danskammer's revival is the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's new capacity zone structure, which is expected to increase prices in New York City and the lower Hudson Valley starting May 1.
There are, however, numerous factors that affect energy costs, including the commodity price of natural gas and the state's high electricity taxes and surcharges.
Coal power, for health and environmental reasons, would be a bad deal for New York even if it were the cheapest power produced. Due to environmental compliance costs, more than 150 coal plants have shut down nationwide in recent years.
Even the energy-industry friendly Independent Power Producers of New York is weighing in against Danskammer. The group, which represents a number of power producers that could make long-term investments in clean power in downstate New York, is concerned that Danskammer would receive an out-of-market contract that would artificially reduce prices and disrupt important investment decisions.
It is very rare that groups like IPPNY and the Sierra Club agree on anything. For economic and especially environmental reasons, the PSC should immediately and permanently shutter Danskammer.
If necessary, Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, who recently worked with seven other states and 13 citizen groups to obtain a major legal settlement resulting in reduced nationwide coal emissions, should take legal action to force Danskammer to close.
Commenting on the settlement last February, Schneiderman said, "Coal-fired power plants make the largest contribution to air pollution in New York's skies. Continuing to cut emission is crucial to protecting New Yorkers' health and our environment."
It is time for New York to once and for all move from coal power to a cleaner and safer energy future.
Norris McDonald is president of the African-American Environmentalist Association, which is dedicated to protecting the environment, promoting the efficient use of natural resources, increasing African-American participation in the environmental movement and promoting ownership of energy infrastructure and resources.