NRG public hearing on Astoria plant scheduled for this week

Public hearings this week give local residents another chance to comment on the proposed construction at the NRG Astoria plant. Photo courtesy of NRG

By Rachel Vick

Queens residents will have a chance to voice their opinions on the proposed NRG power plant refurbishment in front of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation this week.

There are several virtual hearings scheduled to cover the Astoria Gas Turbine Power permit this week as part of the public comment period open until Aug. 29.

Opposing groups say the plan to replace the outdated natural gas technology with newer, more efficient models is antithetical to the state’s climate goals of using 70 percent renewable energy by 2030 and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 85 percent by 2050.

Food & Water Watch Senior New York Organizer Laura Shindell says the approval — or rejection — of the plan presents an opportunity for incoming Governor Kathy Hochul and her administration to take a strong stance.

“NRG’s proposal to build a new fracked gas power plant in Astoria is nothing more than a foolhardy profiteering scheme to make investors rich at the expense of Astoria residents’ health,” Shindell said.

“Residents and activists are clear in our demands that Governor Hochul begin her administration with a commitment to public health, state climate law and morality,” Shindell added. “She must direct her Department of Environmental Conservation to deny NRG their permits to build this polluting plant that no one wants.”

The new facilities would have a generating capacity of 437 Mega Watts, and, for the time being, will run on natural gas. The upgrades include an estimated reduction of statewide greenhouse gas emissions by more than five million tons through the year 2035, according to NRG.

NRG says that the new technology will eventually have the capacity to run on carbon-free fuel like hydrogen; though most hydrogen is now produced by fossil fuels there is potential for more production through renewables, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

“NRG looks forward to receiving input during the public comment period and working with the DEC to ensure the Project is consistent with New York State’s aggressive climate goals,”  NRG spokesperson Dave Schrader said when the comment period opened.

Registration for the hearings taking place on Aug. 24 and 26  at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. is available online.