S7923A

The New York State Senate passed legislation directing the state's Energy Research and Development Authority to study the feasibility of closing peaker plant electric generating facilities in Brooklyn, with a vote of 41-18. Senate Print 7923A, sponsored by Sen. Gonzalez, targets fossil fuel infrastructure in Greenpoint and Northern Brooklyn, including facilities at the Ravenswood Generating Station and along Kent Avenue. Gonzalez, who represents Senate District 59, characterized the measure as addressing a long-standing environmental justice issue in her community. She noted that residents in the area, which she described as "Asthma Alley," have suffered disproportionate health impacts from the peaker plants, including respiratory illnesses and deaths linked to pollution from the facilities and nearby Newtown Creek. The bill passed with support from the Democratic majority, though 18 senators voted against it. The legislation does not authorize closure of the plants but rather calls for a study to determine whether such closures are feasible.