Erie County Legislature Chair Lynn M. Marinelli (D-Buffalo, Tonawanda) is commending the decision of the New York Power Authority to grant conditional backing to the Huntley NRG Energy Station to build a new clean-coal power plant at its Town of Tonawanda site.

The designation has Huntley and NRG designated as the apparent winner among five contenders across New York for the state's approval to develop the clean coal power plant.

"This is the kind of development we in the County Legislature are supporting. The Legislature unanimously approved a resolution advocating Huntley's and NRG's clean coal plant proposal earlier this year," Chair Marinelli said. "Not only will the Huntley/NRG clean coal plant lessen emissions through new technology, the project is expected to create about 1,000 construction jobs and 100 good-paying permanent, fulltime jobs."

"This clean coal plant project is very important to Tonawanda, Erie County and Western New York, as well as to the development and preservation of the Lake Erie Waterfront," Legislator Michele M. Iannello (D-Kenmore, Tonawanda) said. "We have worked with and support Huntley and NRG on gaining approval for their new plant, and we continue to not only support this important economic development but offer the Legislature's continued advocacy to help make this plan a reality."

"When Huntley NRG made a presentation to the Energy and Environment Committee this year, we were impressed with the environmental and economic benefits of the clean coal plant," Legislator Thomas Loughran (D-Tonawanda, Amherst), Chair of the Energy and Environment Committee, said. "We are pleased with the New York Power Authority's decision, and we look forward to following this into the future for our environmental and economic benefit."

Following the New York Power Authority's action, Governor-Elect Eliot L. Spitzer is expected to make the final decision after he takes office in January.

Back to District 14 Homepage