Corruption requires CPV permits to be revoked

Our thanks to County Executive Neuhaus, Assembly Members Skoufis and Gunther and the Orange County Legislature for joining Riverkeeper in formally asking the New York DEC to suspend or rescind air permits for the Competitive Power Ventures fracked-gas power plant.
It is heartening to see a bipartisan response to protect our health and oppose corruption.
We believe that in light of the conviction of Joseph Percoco, Governor Cuomo’s former top aide, for bribery and fraud related to CPV, all of CPV’s permits must be revoked.
Corruption is not a victimless crime: The Times Herald-Record (3/8/18) reported “widespread complaints of headaches, sinus irritation and breathing problems” from local residents exposed to fumes from the plant.
We now call upon all our elected representatives including State Assembly member Brabenec, state Senators Bonacic and Larkin, U.S. Senators Gillibrand and Schumer and U.S. Representative Maloney to publicly oppose the permitting of CPV.
The duty of elected representatives is to serve their electorate, not individual or corporate interests. In cases of proven corruption, they must put the welfare of the people first.
Accordingly, Governor Cuomo and the DEC must immediately revoke all CPV permits. Until this is done, all of our elected officials must continue to speak out and take every action within their powers to halt the permitting and operation of the CPV Plant.
Bill Greene on behalf of the Sustainable Warwick Infrastructure Committee