Title
Dept/ Agency: Offices of Municipal Council/City Clerk
Action: ( ) Ratifying (X) Authorizing ( ) Amending
Type of Service: Opposing the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission Power Plant in the East Ward
Purpose: To declare opposition to the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission (PVSC) Plan and operation of a methane gas-fired power plant in the East Ward.
Sponsor(s): Council Member, Michael J. Silva
Additional Information:
body
WHEREAS, the Newark Municipal Council strongly opposes the proposed Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission (PVSC) methane gas-fired plant in the East Ward, a.k.a. Ironbound section of Newark; and
WHEREAS, this will be the fourth gas power plant located in an area that has endured multiple sources of air pollution; and
WHEREAS, the Newark Municipal Council recognizes that PVSC wants to protect itself against extreme weather; and
WHEREAS, the Newark Municipal Council also recognizes that PSE&G has made significant enhancements on the reliability of the power grid; however requests that PVSC explore other avenues to defend against catastrophe; and
WHEREAS, the City of Newark (the “City”) was faced with record flooding during Hurricane Ida and the reliability throughout the City was maintained; and
WHEREAS, there will never be a one hundred percent (100%) guarantee and another power plant will not improve the odds; and
WHEREAS, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) categorizes the Ironbound section of Newark as an “overburdened community” under the New Jersey Environmental Justice Law; and
WHEREAS, the East Ward - Ironbound section is home to more gas plants than any other neighborhood in the State, as well as the State’s largest waste incinerator.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEWARK, NEW JERSEY, THAT:
1. The Municipal Council supports the efforts of the 29th Legislative District as expressed in letters dated April 26, 2022, March 17, 2023, and April 26, 2024, fervently opposing the Plan.
2. The Newark Municipal Council strongly opposes the proposed Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission (PVSC) methane gas-fired plant in the East Ward - Ironbound section of the City and requests that the PVSC withdraw its permit application to the NJDEP.
STATEMENT
This Resolution proclaims that the Newark Municipal Council strongly opposes the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission (PVSC) Plan and operation of a methane gas-fired power plant in the East Ward of the City of Newark.