Your Action by March 18 Could Stop the Plant

BREAKING NEWS: OPPONENTS INSTRUMENTAL IN EXTENDING PUBLIC COMMENT DEADLINE

You could affect a decision by a New York State agency that could single-handedly stop St. Lawrence Cement and its proposed coal-fired plant that would spew 20 million pounds of cancer-causing pollution on the valley and Northeast.

The New York Department of State (DOS) is accepting public comments – now ending Friday, March 18 – on the SLC project. Following the public comment period, the agency is expected to rule by April 22, 2005. A ruling that the project is inconsistent with the state's coastal policies would mean the facility could not be built.

Groups united against the project – Hudson Valley Preservation Coalition, led by Scenic Hudson; Friends of Hudson; and The Olana Partnership – need your help. Vote your opinion now.

Tell-A-Friend

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: Re: Public Notice #F2004-0863

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

St. Lawrence Cement's massive, coal-fired proposal for the Hudson Valley would violate New York State's coastal policies. It would turn back the clock on all the progress that has been made along the river and neighboring regions in recent years.

Recent changes to the SLC project would actually worsen adverse impacts to local air quality, scenic views, and historic resources such as Olana, due to the more localized dispersion of air emissions and associated air plumes from the lowered stack.

This increased threat to the health of residents is why the doctors of Columbia Memorial Hospital and The American Lung Association continue to oppose the plant. Moreover, this proposal would do irreversible damage to recovering Hudson River waterfronts and irreplaceable valley viewsheds.

Despite last-minute changes from the company, the proposed Greenport facility remains inconsistent with the coastal policies created to protect the unique places, landscapes, and people of this magnificent valley.

Please continue to protect our beloved Hudson Valley by denying this project a Coastal Consistency determination.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
January 11, 2005

Background Information

The Department of State (DOS) decision on St. Lawrence Cement is critical. A federal permit cannot be issued to SLC without this agency's approval.

DOS is not relying on previous public comment and reviews by other agencies, such as NYS DEC. This is a separate agency with its own power to approve or deny SLC's application.
SLC's new application, resubmitted in October 2004, fails to fully address important issues such as cultural, historical, tourism and economic impacts.
SLC's major waterfront facility remains a blight on the Hudson waterfront and its neighboring public park – and would be seen and heard from many other points on the River including the Athens waterfront.
Visual impacts are pervasive, including both the vast facility structures as well as an enormous plume.