Cleaning Up the Danskammer Coal-Fired Power Plant

Regional Office / Program

Case Overview

The Danskammer Plant, located along the shore of the Hudson River in the town of Newburgh, New York, has been responsible for more toxic pollution than nearly all of the total 646 industrial sites in the state and numerous violations of federal air quality standards. According to EPA data, in 2009, the Danskammer plant dumped more than 1.5 million pounds of toxic chemicals into Newburgh’s air, land, and water.

One of New York state’s oldest and dirtiest coal plants, the Danskammer Plant has been shut down since October 2012.

The Sierra Club, NPCA, and Earthjustice took action in 2012 to demand modern pollution controls at the plant that would limit harmful air pollution. In December 2012, the plant’s then-owner, Dynegy Inc., announced it was selling the plant in bankruptcy proceedings and the plant would be torn down following its sale. But in November 2013, new owner Helios Power Capital indicated that it is evaluating the possibility of bringing the plant back into operation.

The groups are moving to revive an earlier lawsuit to ensure the plant doesn’t reopen.

The Danskammer Plant is located along the shore of New York's Hudson River.
The Danskammer Plant, located along New York's Hudson River, is one of the state’s oldest and dirtiest coal plants. (Imagery (c) 2014 Google)

Case Updates

June 9, 2022 Press Release: Victory

Danskammer Lawsuit Tossed: New York's Landmark Climate Law Upheld

Orange County judge rules Department of Environmental Conservation has authority to reject new gas plants under New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act

October 27, 2021 Press Release: Victory

Danskammer Stopped: Stop Danskammer Coalition Applauds Permit Denial for Danskammer Fracked Gas Plant

This precedent-setting decision heeds the call of activists and community members to reject new fracked gas infrastructure and commit to clean, renewable energy.

January 12, 2021 Document

Renewed Motion To Strike – Danskammer NY

A motion arguing that Danskammer has not provided an adequate explanation of how it will eventually convert its proposed gas plant to run on Renewable Natural Gas or hydrogen.