NJ Transit Abandons Controversial Backup Power Plant in Kearny

NJ Transit has scrapped plans for a natural gas-fueled backup power plant in Kearny, NJ, following opposition from environmental justice advocates. The agency will redirect $503 million in federal funding to other resiliency projects in northern and central New Jersey.

New Jersey's public transit agency, NJ Transit, has announced the cancellation of plans to build a backup power plant fueled by natural gas in Kearny, a low-income community near Newark. The decision comes as a victory for environmental justice advocates who have been opposing the project and several others in predominantly minority areas.

Financial Feasibility and Grid Improvements

NJ Transit cited the project's lack of financial feasibility and improvements made to the affected power grid as reasons for the cancellation. The agency stated that a utility, PSE&G, has invested significantly in enhancing power grid resiliency, increasing power reliability in the region.

Community Concerns Addressed

Environmental groups and community activists welcomed the decision, expressing relief that another polluting project would not be added to overburdened communities. They criticized the notion of a fracked gas plant as a sustainable solution amid the climate crisis.

Reallocation of Funds

The $503 million in federal funding initially allocated for the backup power plant will now be redirected to other resiliency projects across northern and central New Jersey. These projects include the replacement of a bridge over the Raritan River, upgrades to the Hoboken Rail Terminal, and the expansion of a rail storage yard in New Brunswick.

Renewed Calls for Similar Project Cancellation

The cancellation of the Kearny project has prompted renewed calls from advocates to scrap a similar plan at the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission in Newark. Environmental justice advocates urge Governor Phil Murphy to direct PVSC to follow NJ Transit's lead and abandon the backup power plant proposal.

The decision to scrap the Kearny backup power plant marks a significant victory for environmental justice advocates in New Jersey. The reallocation of funds to other resiliency projects demonstrates a commitment to addressing the needs of communities disproportionately affected by pollution and climate-related risks.