It’s Friday, October 16, and New York’s public power utility is bringing community groups to the table.
New York’s latest move toward achieving its aggressive decarbonization goals makes good on the promise of a more equitable transition away from fossil fuels. On Tuesday, the New York Power Authority (NYPA), a publicly owned power utility, announced an agreement to work with grassroots environmental groups on a plan to replace six “peaker plants” in New York City with cleaner technologies.
These power plants are designed to fire up only during times of peak demand, like hot summer days when New Yorkers are blasting their air conditioners — and air quality is already compromised. The facilities are disproportionately located in communities of color in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens, areas that are simultaneously burdened with other health risks like heat vulnerability. In addition to emitting carbon dioxide that is heating up the planet, the plants release harmful pollutants like nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, and tiny, easily inhalable particles that contribute to respiratory issues.
NYPA has agreed to share all data and analysis with the PEAK Coalition, an alliance of five leading environmental justice groups, as it studies replacement options. It will even hire an independent consultant to help PEAK interpret technical details, giving the coalition the tools to push back on proposals they don’t agree with.
NYPA is aiming to have a final report with recommendations by next June, at which time it and PEAK will discuss next steps.
The Smog
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