ITHACA, NY (WSKG) - Tuesday morning, Governor Cuomo announced his opposition to the proposed trash incinerator in Romulus, NY, between Seneca and Cayuga Lakes. It was in response to growing pressure from Finger Lakes legislators, residents and business owners to oppose it.
If built, it would be the largest incinerator in New York and cost over $300 million. It’s a project of Circular enerG, a Rochester-based LLC which didn’t exist before the incinerator project.
Democratic candidate for governor Cynthia Nixon came out against the project. Tuesday, opponents traveled to Albany, again, to urge Governor Cuomo to also oppose the project and support pending legislation that would change the state approval process.
In his statement, Cuomo said the project, “is not consistent with my administration's goals for protecting our public health, our environment, and our thriving agriculture-based economy in the Finger Lakes.” He also said he’s confident that the siting board would not approve the project.
Finger Lakes legislators opposing the incinerator are: State senators Pam Helming (R-Canandaigua) and Tom O’Mara (R-Big Flats), Assembly members Phil Palmesano (R-Corning) and minority leader Brian Kolb (R-Geneva). They’re all supporting bills that would exclude solid waste incinerators from the types of facilities eligible for the expedited power plant siting process. The bills are awaiting votes in the chambers' respective energy committees.