GILMAN WELCOMES SITHE WITHDRAWAL OF POWER PLANT

FROM TOWN OF RAMAPO

        Washington, D.C. - Rep. Benjamin A. Gilman (20th District - NY) welcomed the decision by Sithe Energies, Inc. to terminate all activity on a proposed power plant in the Town of Ramapo, New York.

        "Sithe's decision to withdraw this power plant proposal highlights the importance of public participation in the siting of power plants throughout our Hudson Valley region," stated Gilman.  "While we recognize that additional power generating facilities are necessary to meet the energy needs of our region and our state, the siting of new plants must be thoroughly reviewed by all effected parties, must take into consideration environmental and community health effects, and the impact that a new plant would have on available resources."

        "My position on any proposed plants in the Torne Valley is clear and unambiguous.  I am opposed to the siting of any power generating plants within the Torne Valley," Gilman continued. 

        "I am concerned about the health effects of developing new power plants in New York's smallest county and one of the most populated suburban region's of our state," he noted.  "Health, safety, and quality of life are important to each and everyone of our region's residents." 

        "I welcome Sithe's decision to withdraw this proposal based upon their economic analysis and the obvious concerns expressed by the community," Gilman concluded.  "While the Sithe company indicates that construction of this facility is 'uneconomic at this time,' I want to commend the citizens of Ramapo, and the members of the Rockland County Conservation Association and the Torne Valley Preservation Association for their dedication and active participation in this process.  I am certain that their commitment to ensuring a safe and healthy quality of life for this community played a vital role in this decision.

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