Local activists will rally May 18 at the so-called “March for our Lungs,” opposing a plan to build the North Bergen Liberty Generating facility, nicknamed the Meadowlands Power Plant.
The proposal, led by Diamond Generating Corp., would help replace an aging nuclear power plant with a new natural gas-fired plant on a 15-acre site that would also create 620 long-term, high-paying jobs for local construction workers, according to libertygenerating.com.
But activists say the plant would make air quality—in an area where Bergen and Hudson counties already have an F rating for ground level ozone—even worse, effecting people with asthma, respiratory issues and impacting women’s reproductive health.
“It breaks my heart to see that [Gov. Phil Murphy] promised to transition New Jersey to 100% renewable energy, yet has allowed some of the permits for power plants, compressor stations, and pipelines which would be in services for 30-40 years,” said Teaneck activist Paula Rogovin. “This is really a fight for our lives and the lives of our children and grandchildren.”
The activists will gather Saturday, May 18, 1 to 3 p.m., at Ridgefield Memorial High School then march to the site of the proposed plant.
“We’ve been handing out flyers at schools, holding a school assembly, meeting with environmental clubs, etc., in preparation for the march and the struggle ahead,” Rogovin told Northern Valley Press. “We’ve been holding forums in different towns, putting up billboards in Ridgefield, Fairview, and on the NJ Turnpike and lots more. You can read more about the march at www.nomeadowlandspowerplant.com.”
They even came to the Englewood Mayor and Council reorganization meeting in January to urge Gov. Murphy—who was in attendance to swear in new Mayor Michael Wildes—to take a stand against the plant.
Murphy has been neutral on the issue. He has said in published reports he supports allowing the regulatory process to play out, regarding a review by state regulators of the proposal. It’s one of several major energy infrastructure proposals pending in the state.
