Statement in Response to Gas-Turbine Lawsuit
Contact: Stephen Shoenholz (914) 390-8165 shoenholz.s@nypa.gov
February 7, 2001
The New York Power Authority is obviously disappointed by this irresponsible and misguided lawsuit.
This action, if successful, would dramatically increase the prospect of California-style blackouts and brownouts, and resulting electricity price spikes, in New York City this summer. It threatens the health, safety and well-being of everyone who lives and works in the city— particularly the poor, the elderly and others on a fixed income.
The small gas-turbine units planned by the Power Authority will be the cleanest power plants in the city. Thorough environmental review has confirmed that they will not adversely affect air quality or the neighboring communities.
The Power Authority will invest an extra $5 million in each unit to install the most advanced available pollution and noise controls. It will also work with the state Department of Environmental Conservation to implement a "net zero emissions" policy by offsetting emissions from the gas turbines through reductions in those at other New York City sources.
The parties to this lawsuit are well aware of the Power Authority’s exemplary environmental record. NYPA plans to invest more than $100 million this year in programs that save energy and clean the air. It is a leader in promoting clean energy sources like fuel cells and solar power and in advancing pollution-free electric vehicles.
This concern for the environment will mark installation and operation of the gas turbines. They are the only new power sources that can be ready in time to help keep the lights on this summer. Every day’s delay in bringing them into service will push New York City one day closer to California.
