Catskill Center Continues to Review Hughes Energy's Proposal

The Catskill Center is concerned whenever any type of energy project is introduced in the region, and Hughes Energy’s proposed Greene Del MSW Processing Facility in the Town of Roxbury, Delaware County, is no exception. Hughes proposes to convert waste streams into biofuels for use around the world. Hughes Energy has submitted a permit application to the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, which, as of the beginning of September, and after two public meetings, DEC had not deemed complete. Roxbury town officials are also reviewing the application.

The Catskills provide clean drinking water for millions of New Yorkers, and the Forest Preserve is protected under the New York State constitution, so any large-scale renewable energy projects must face additional scrutiny. We encourage state and local officials to perform a detailed and substantial review of Hughes Energy’s proposal to construct and operate a municipal solid waste facility on Route 23 in Grand Gorge.

While the Catskill Center is supportive of increasing renewable energy opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, we believe that the siting of these facilities within our region requires additional justification that there are no other alternatives that would not damage the ecological integrity, recreational resources, and clean air and water that New Yorkers rely upon. Work must be done across the region and other parts of the state to determine if there are suitable areas for renewable energy development and, if there are, that developers are directed to those areas.

The Catskill Center will continue to review Hughes’ proposal and follow any developments, looking for potential detrimental impacts to rural communities especially and the environment. The permit application is available for public review at Roxbury and Prattsville Town Halls, as well as via Hughes Energy, upon request.