My view: Newburgh doesn’t need more fracked gas

Danskammer LLC is hoping to expand their fracked gas plant north of Newburgh into a fully operational facility set to run all the time. But Newburgh doesn’t need more fracked gas, or more air pollution. In August, I joined 174 other New Yorkers at public hearings to ask Gov. Hochul to deny Danskammer the air permit it needs to expand.

Cities like Newburgh already suffer disproportionately from pollution. Our city is home to industrial operations like the heavily polluting DuPont manufacturing facility, the Stewart Air National Guard Base, and Danskammer’s fracked gas plant. Since 2016, our water has been contaminated with toxic PFAS, and Newburgh residents have asthma rates more than twice the statewide average.

An expanded Danskammer plant would exacerbate the environmental injustices we already face. The fumes emitted from a new facility would significantly increase asthma, cancer, birth defects and infertility rates in our community. When our at-risk Black and brown communities have to plead for basic human rights such as clean air and water, there is a problem. 

Danskammer also touts the employment they provide as a key selling point. But the company hasn't actually promised any new permanent jobs. Economic opportunity for a few is not a reason to poison the many. Newburgh’s economic revitalization must come on the backs of local low-carbon businesses, not faceless polluting corporations. Profit over people should never be the answer.

What’s more, the plant is not compatible with New York State’s Climate Law, and its approval would be contrary to the international scientific conclusions that we must keep fossil fuels in the ground if we are to avoid climate catastrophe.

Now is time to invest in clean energy solutions, not new fossil fuel plants. By allowing Danskammer to be built, we will only be showing that the fracked gas industry can continue to make profit while poisoning our environment and communities. Governor Hochul must deny Danskammer’s expansion plans.

Giselle Martinez is a candidate for Newburgh City Council in Ward One.