Cricket Valley DEIS comments and http://growsmartdover.org/

I think these Guys and Gals are great- probably the closest thing the citizens have to an advocate in the development process for Dover NY. Here's my two cents (as of today) on the project:

The reality at Cricket Valley is that the developer is prepared to invest $1 billion to build a state of the art combined cycle natural gas fueled power plant at their chosen site in Dover NY. They have invested a tremendous amount of time and money in R and D on this project, and obviously expect to make a profit over the projected 40 year life of the plant. The NYSDEC and Town of Dover are very likely to approve this expensive project in short order.

It is important to realize that this project does have a place in the power grid for the Eastern US. Dirty coal fired plants with their serious impact on air quality, not to mention quality of life in the coal mining regions, will be forced to shut down rather than be retrofit at great expense. The Indian Point reactor has reached the end of it's safe and useful operation, and it is very unlikely that a nuclear facility would be approved anywhere in the Hudson Valley in the future.

Since the Unites States as a whole has taken over 40 years to grasp the importance of alternative energy technologies, this state of the art plant should only be considered as a bridge to more sustainable green power alternatives currently under development.  Advanced Power Services should be compelled to incorporate compatible green technologies into their emission control plan, and ultimately be prepared to transition their project entirely to renewable resources over the life of the project.

Only before the final approvals are made will the residents of New York State and the Town of Dover be able to negotiate with the developer to ensure a commitment to employ developing green technology in their planning. Residents need to work together to seek concessions including air quality monitoring and additional incentives such as development fees and other financial commitments to the community that will host this project over the next 40 years and beyond.