Despite protests from local advocates, New Jersey has approved a fourth power plant for Newark's Ironbound neighborhood, raising concerns about pollution in an area with high asthma rates.
Nancy Solomon reports for Gothamist.
In short:
- New Jersey's Governor Murphy approved a new backup power plant in Newark's Ironbound, despite community opposition.
- The approval comes under the state's new environmental justice law, aimed at reducing pollution in overburdened areas.
- The plant will only operate during power outages and includes measures to reduce emissions from other facilities.
Key quote:
“We believe that this is the kind of result that our environmental justice law was intended to achieve.”
— Shawn LaTourette, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner.
Why this matters:
Newark's Ironbound neighborhood already suffers from significant pollution, contributing to high asthma rates. The approval of another power plant, even with emissions caps, raises concerns about the ongoing environmental health impact on the community.
