Unhappy with the pace of the permitting process for the new natural gas plant planned by Footprint Power, a New Jersey-based developer, Salem's Rep. John Keenan has hijacked a bill to protect workers and the public from gas pipe leaks. He added languageto exempt Footprint Power from environmental and public health standards and permits in favor of as-of-right approvals. Keenan's proposed language attempts to allow Footprint to make an end run around any appeals by local residents. It strips citizens of their rights to appeal a federal air permit and exempts this project from complying with the laws, regulations, and public process that every other proposed power plant in the Commonwealth has had to satisfy.
Why can't this plant stand up to the normal permit process and scrutiny other power plants are required to pass? What is so wrong with this proposed project that it needs a sweetheart deal to make it work?
We expect a legal process that carefully reviews the impact of another fossil fuel burning plant that will operate for 40 years.
HealthLink mission: To protect and improve public health by reducing and eliminating toxins and pollutants from our environment through research, education and community action.
