The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) rejected the required Title V air permit for Astoria Gas Turbine Power, LLC. The denial effectively halts the proposed Astoria Replacement Project and removes the threat of pollution from a new fossil fuel-burning power plant that would result in public health impacts to environmental justice communities in Queens and nearby neighborhoods in the South Bronx and East Harlem. The decision by DEC cites the project’s non-compliance with the requirements of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA).

The PEAK Coalition and allies, including NYC-EJA, UPROSE, THE POINT CDC, New York Lawyers for the Public Interest, Clean Energy Group, Chhaya CDC, Earthjustice, and Sierra Club joined the over 6,600 public comments calling on the DEC to reject the permit due to the project’s interference with the CLCPA’s greenhouse gas emission limits. The CLCPA requires a shift to a zero-emissions electric sector by 2040. The denial of this permit reflects New York’s commitment to a clean energy future and should send a clear signal to other contemplated fossil fuel projects. In its decision, DEC also made it clear that false solutions, such as the proposed combustion of green hydrogen or renewable natural gas (RNG), are not consistent with the CLCPA.

The CLCPA recognizes that communities where fossil fuel combustion has been concentrated – such as the Astoria and South Bronx neighborhoods, which host eight power plants alone – have experienced decades of poor air quality, and that a transition to clean energy should prioritize these communities.

Shout out to our allies in the NY Renews coalition for ushering in a new era with the CLCPA!

NYC-EJA honored our Fantastic Four - 4 trailblazing coalitions engaged in transformational change expanding environmental and climate justice for NY’s frontline communities. NY Renews, Transform Don't Trash NYC, Climate Works for All, and Renewable Rikers.

Please visit our website in the weeks to come for a video of the event, plus a gallery of photos - in the meantime, check out Senate Majority Leader Schumer’s taped remarks for our gala (i.e., when he thought he might miss the event - we were so grateful to have him join us in person also!)

The New York Times: How New Yorkers Can Help Shape Voting Rules and Environmental Rights (10/30/21)

EarthJustice: Fossil Fuels Rejected: New York DEC Denies Permits for Astoria Gas-fueled Power Plant in Queens, New York (10/28/21)

The City: Hochul Pulls Plug On Queens Gas-Fueled Electrical Power Plant Overhaul (10/27/21)

AM NY: New York City trees are an Environmental Justice issue (10/21/21)

CNN: Wildfire smoke contributes to more deaths in the Eastern US than the West, study shows (10/21/21)

Actions News Now: Wildfire smoke contributes to more deaths in the Eastern US than the West, study shows (10/21/21)

Crain’s New York: Low-Income New Yorkers face outsize risk from extreme weather (10/18/21)

Federal Reserve Bank of New York: Insights from the Experts: Extreme Heat and Air Quality (10/13/21)

RTO Insider: NY Activists Want Less Industry, More Justice in Clean Energy (10/5/21)

The New York Times: Ida Flooding Deaths Push Council to Demand Climate Change Plan for New York (10/5/21)

Be sure to check for more exciting news from NYC-EJA about our 30th Anniversary and ongoing work, on our website and in future newsletters! And if you like what you read, please consider making a tax-exempt donation to support our work.

Sincerely,

Eddie Bautista

Executive Director

New York City Environmental Justice Alliance