Attorney General Announces Partial Shutdown Of Lovett Plant

Senator Thomas P. Morahan joined Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, NYS Department of Environmental Commissioner Pete Grannis and North Rockland officials to announce a partial shutdown of the Lovett generating station in Stony Point, one of two coal-burning units at the Stony Point power plant at which the Mirant Corporation failed to upgrade pollution controls.

Senator Morahan had successfully convinced Cuomo to meet with Mirant and North Rockland officials to deal with the financial impact of the plants closing. At a press conference Cuomo thanked Morahan for updating him on the issues. Cuomo indicated that his office had won a commitment from Mirant not to challenge its tax assessment for the Bowline plant for the next two years. In addition the company also pledged $1 million for energy conservation projects in northern Rockland County.

It is estimated that the shutdown of one of the plants would reduce emissions that create acid rain and smog by more than 50 percent.

"I applaud the Attorney General's efforts on behalf of the residents of North Rockland. Getting Mirant to agree to keep its tax assessment at the current level for the next two years is a very good first step in dealing with the fiscal burdens facing the residents of Stony Point and Haverstraw," said Morahan.
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