Concerns over construction of a new natural gas-fired power plant in Dover, New York have prompted Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty to introduce a bill that would give notification of such construction. 

Families and local leaders in Sherman, Sharon, and New Fairfield expressed concerns to Esty and she craft the NOTICE ACT, Notify Officials, Towns, Individuals, and Cities (NOTICE) of Electric Generating Facilities Act. 

Cricket Valley Energy Center natural gas power plant is slated to open in 2020.  The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is not required to notify bordering Connecticut towns under current law.  Esty’s legislation would require the notification of a proposed power plant to municipalities within 30 miles of the proposed development. 

Esty notes that families in Sherman and New Fairfield breathe the same air, drink the same water, and enjoy many of the same natural resources as those in Dover – they should have the same right to provide input before power plants are built in their neighborhoods.