Carli Jensen
New Brunswick — PSEG Power announced today it will close the last two coal-fired power plants in New Jersey.
The Hudson Generation Station in Jersey City, and the Mercer Generation Station in Hamilton Township will shut down on June 1, 2017. PSEG noted that these plants are no longer cost-competitive, and that it would be too expensive to update their old technology to meet modern standards.
Environment New Jersey Campaign Director Carli Jensen applauded the move. “Closing these coal plants is a win for climate, clean air, and public health in New Jersey,” she said. “And these closures show that we’re continuing on the path to a clean energy future. It’s 2016—we carry supercomputers in our pockets. We shouldn’t have to power our communities with 19th century technology that pollutes our environment and causes climate change. Today’s announcement by PSEG marks a major turning point in New Jersey’s transition into the clean energy era.”
Coal-fired power plants are the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the energy sector, and they are also a major source of harmful pollutants including mercury, particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide. Exposure to mercury and other air pollutants is linked to numerous negative health effects, including cancer, asthma, heart disease, neurological damage, and birth defects.
“This is great news for Jersey City and Trenton and all of New Jersey,” said Environment New Jersey Director Doug O’Malley. “Retiring these plants means a cleaner environment, better air quality, and a move in the right direction in the fight against climate change.”
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