Maloney launches plan to ban fossil fuel plants in Queens

U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney announced a new bill that would establish federal standards to reduce reliance on Fossil-fuel powered plants. Photo via Carolyn B. Maloney/Twitter

By Rachel Vick

Queens elected officials and advocates braved the cold Monday to announce their next legislative steps to combat New York City’s contributions to the climate crisis next to a neighborhood so affected by air pollution it has been nicknamed “Asthma Alley.”

U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney unveiled the “Justice in Power Plant Permitting Act,” which would ban the award of permits to fossil-fuel powered energy sources, outside the Ravenswood Generating station this week.

“We are in a climate emergency. To combat it, we must recognize that two generations of residents right here in Asthma Alley have been subjected to unending toxic pollution,” Maloney said. “This legislation will bar major sources of air pollution, like Big Allis or peakers, as well as other fossil fuel-fired sources within one mile of a major source, from being permitted when they harm the health and well-being of our communities. These units are killing my constituents, and far too often these plants are placed in communities of color.”

If passed, the bill would stop the permitting of other fossil fuel-fired sources within one mile of a major source if the combined effects of the area’s air polluters would harm nearby communities. It includes a Just Energy Transition Fund for clean energy projects that support workers and environmental justice.

The bill also includes action from the federal government by requiring 100 percent renewable, air pollution-free energy use by 2030.

Claudia Coger, former president of the Astoria Houses Tenants’ Association, recounted her decades of experience with climate injustice and pollution near at-risk populations.

“I was there when the power houses were built within 7 miles of Astoria Houses. I was there when pollution and sewage was put into the East River, and I’ve seen these things change because of all of the actions of people here,” she said. “In Astoria Houses, in that area of Queens near the Tri-Borough Bridge, we have children that have asthma and sleep with machines.”

“All of this is because of the air that they breathe, and we are fighting for cleaner air,” she added. “It is wrong. It is all wrong.”