Energy

The following is a statement from Riverkeeper’s Director of Legal Programs, Richard Webster, regarding the abandonment of the Constitution Pipeline project by Williams Partners: “Riverkeeper is gratified that it has been announced that the Constitution Pipeline project has been scrapped. This pipeline would have carried fracked natural gas across 251 waterbodies — including 89 trout spawning streams — and through many unique and sensitive ecological areas such as old-growth forest and undisturbed springs, which provide vital habitat and are key to local ecosystems. Over many years, Riverkeeper and our partners […]

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After careful consideration, research and consultation with affected community, environmental, government and corporate representatives, Riverkeeper is withdrawing its support of Transmission Developers, Inc.’s Champlain Hudson Power Express.  In April 2013, due in large part to concerns over meeting the energy needs of New York City and New York State after Indian Point Nuclear Plant closes, Riverkeeper had agreed not to oppose the permitting of the TDI project, after obtaining significant changes to the project and receiving assurances that it would not lead to the construction of new dams in Canada. […]

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Advocates Urge Governor Cuomo to Sign Historic Legislation into Law

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ALBANY — The New York State Senate, Assembly and Governor Andrew Cuomo have reached a consensus on landmark legislation to combat climate change this morning. Lawmakers now have a bill they can vote on by the end of Wednesday, which marks the close of the legislative session. The three-way deal establishes aggressive mandates to ensure New York achieves a 40 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and an 85 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions — with 100 percent carbon neutrality — by 2050. In addition, the agreement […]

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More than 50 environmental and community groups detail opposition to proposed incinerator ash dump in Catskill   Proposal would transport 445,000 tons of toxic ash on local roads.   Groups call on Catskill Town Supervisor to reject proposal, release sign-on letter opposing the dump.   Wheelabrator Technologies, the second largest trash incineration company in the U.S., has proposed creating a large incinerator ash dump in a former quarry in the Town of Catskill near the shore of the Hudson River. The company is in the process of applying for permits […]

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Riverkeeper plays a role in turning fossil project into a renewable one.   ULSTER, NY — A revised plan for a proposed fossil fuel energy plant to a battery-only system has been submitted to the Town of Ulster by GlidePath Power Solutions, and it eliminates fossil fuels and moves the proposed site further from homes in the area. The energy company submitted the new plan to address many of the concerns voiced by environmental groups and the local community. The controversial proposed power plant will be re-sited and re-born as a renewable […]

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Riverkeeper fully supports Ulster County Executive Mike Hein’s call to suspend Glidepath’s proposed Lincoln Park gas-fueled electric power plant in the Town of Ulster and to restructure state and federal economic incentives and policy to facilitate clean energy storage and generation projects. Several studies, including a 2017 report by Synapse Energy Economics and an updated 2018 prediction of demand by the New York grid operator, show reduced demand for electricity due to energy efficiency. New renewable capacity and energy efficiency will maintain grid reliability, with more than sufficient available power. […]

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Statement from Riverkeeper President Paul Gallay: “Riverkeeper applauds Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the Department of Environmental Conservation on their draft rule to curb greenhouse gases in New York by shutting down the state’s dirtiest fossil-fuel energy plants. By placing stringent emissions standards on existing plants, this rule will help the state reach its goal of reducing energy-sector emissions by 50 percent by 2030 while assuring safe and affordable power for New York’s residents and businesses. Importantly, eliminating coal plants not only limits greenhouse gas emissions, it also eliminates air […]

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Below is a statement from Riverkeeper President Paul Gallay on Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s announcement today to introduce legislation to prohibit the leasing of lands — including underwater lands — for offshore drilling and exploration in New York State waters. “Riverkeeper thanks Governor Cuomo and members of the legislature for standing against this misguided federal proposal. Simply put, the risks from oil drilling are too great for New Yorkers to accept. Evidence shows that if a spill were to occur, little, if any oil would be recovered, leading to lasting impacts on coastal ecosystems across the Northeast. […]

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