August 9, 2018

New York state regulators declined to renew an air permit for a 680-megawatt natural gas-fired power plant — preventing the facility from powering up just before it was to go into service.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation denied the renewal application, saying owner Competitive Power Ventures had no Title V Clean Air Act permit, which is issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and required by the state before new power plants can start generating electricity.

“As a result of this denial and the lack of a Title V permit, CPV may not lawfully operate the facility,” Kelly Turturro, regional director of the department, said, Bloombergreported.

CPV completed construction this year on the plant in Wawayanda, roughly 65 miles northeast of New York City, Kallanish Energy understands.

A pipeline began delivering gas in July, according to the Silver Spring, Maryland-based developer’s website. It was expected to finish testing within weeks, and would be ready to supply the New York power grid during hot-weather shortages. Its original state permit expired last week.

“We remain committed to operating within all applicable operating permit requirements and look forward to working with the DEC to address any concerns they have,” Tom Rumsey, senior vice president of External Affairs at CPV, told Bloomberg.

Environmental groups oppose the plant because it uses gas produced by hydraulic fracturing, and would emit carbon dioxide and other pollutants.

“I applaud Governor Cuomo and DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos for standing up for the health of all New Yorkers,” Ramsay Adams, executive director of Catskill Mountainkeeper, told Bloomberg.