Power plan paused by NJ governor in minority area is back

By WAYNE PARRY
Associated Press

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — A New Jersey sewage treatment plant in a predonimantly minority neighborhood is pressing forward with its plan to build a gas-fired power plant, three months after the state’s governor halted the proposal to make sure it does not overly burden the already polluted community. In January, Gov. Phil Murphy directed the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission to halt a $180 million backup power plant after residents of Newark’s Ironbound section complained that they already bear the brunt of numerous sources of air and other pollution. But the commission is asking the state to modify its air quality permit, and plans to host a public hearing on the plan next week.