For Immediate Release

NJ Transit has formally withdrawn its application to build a new 140-megawatt fracked gas power plant in Kearny.

The dirty energy plant, part of the agency’s NJ TRANSITGRID TRACTION POWER SYSTEM, has been strongly opposed by local residents, elected officials and climate activists. The plant was to be partly funded by a federal grant tied to Superstorm Sandy recovery.

In response to the decision, Food & Water Watch New Jersey State Director Matt Smith released the following statement: 

“This is a huge win for clean air and clean energy in NJ. In the midst of a deadly pandemic and escalating climate crisis, New Jersey cannot afford to build any new fossil fuel power projects, full stop. This is a major step towards fulfilling Governor Murphy’s commitments to fight climate change and protect environmental justice, and puts NJ TRANSIT on track to lead the country in developing resilient, carbon free public transportation solutions.”

From the time the project’s design was made public, Food & Water Watch spearheaded a coalition of more than 60 organizations that held educational forums, organized rallies, lobbied elected officials, and spoke out at NJ TRANSIT board meetings. To date, 16 municipal governments have passed strong resolutions opposing the fracked gas plant and supporting a renewable energy alternative, including Newark, Kearny, Jersey City and Hoboken. More recently, 13 state legislators signed onto a letter calling on the governor to reject the power plant and replace it with a clean energy solution.