A new power plant for NY could be built in NJ

NEW JERSEY (FOX5NY.COM) - A piece of industrial land in North Bergen could be the site of one of the largest power plants in New Jersey if California-based Diamond Generating Company has its way.

But the $1.5 billion 1,200-megawatt project wouldn't even serve the Garden State. Electricity from the plant would be sent under the Hudson River to New York City.

The project would generate much-needed tax revenue on top of electricity, according to Phil Swibinski, a spokesman for North Bergen. He said that the construction of the plant on the 15-acre site at Fairview Avenue and 94th Street would also bring thousands of union construction and also long-term jobs.

A spokesperson for the North Liberty Generating Project said the plant is needed because of the impending closure of the Indian Point nuclear plant in Westchester County, N.Y.

"It is imperative that a clean, reliable electric generation facility is constructed to meet the area's rising energy demands," the spokesperson said. "The proposed NBLG facility could provide electricity for 1.2 million residences and help displace the operation of older, less efficient fossil fuel plants in the region."

But critics of the plan say New Jersey won't see much benefit because the electricity will be for New York City.

While the developer says the plant would be energy-efficient, environmental advocates say the plant does nothing to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Bill Sheehan, the Hackensack Riverkeeper, said that natural gas is a fossil fuel, so building the plant will keep communities "addicted" to fossil fuels.