Troy's Community Newsletter

Concerned Citizens for the Environment

In 1982, a wealthy West German developer proposed construction of the Inter-Power plant next to General Electric in Waterford, on the edge of the Hudson River. The "state of the art" facility would supposedly revolutionize the energy field, and be the largest independent coal plant in the state.

What he failed to mention is that the plant would also be one of the largest polluters in the state, and that the majority of the poisons that would belch out of the stack would land in and around beautiful Rensselaer County.

In 1985, with the assistance of his worthy staff, Assemblyman Neil W. Kelleher took a good, hard look at this "state-of-the-art" Inter-Power coal proposal. And what he found did not please him. For the next three years, virtually single-handedly, Assemblyman Kelleher fought tooth and nail to halt the forward movement of the new "vision" to meet our electric needs. In 1989, his voice was joined by the Concerned Citizens for the Environment, a local group formed to promote sound energy policy. In late 1994, their combined effort paid off on the floor of the Appellate Division, where the state-issued Inter-Power permit met defeat.

Before the victory could be savored, another huge polluter set its stake in the Hudson Valley-the 1800 ton/per day garbage burner proposed upwind of Rensselaer County by American Ref-Fuel. Once again, Neil Kelleher joined with CCE in leading the charge to protect our fine quality of life. and once again the project fell to at least an initial defeat in the courts.

The final chapter in these historic battles has yet to be written. First, we need to pay tribute to former Assemblyman Kelleher for his relentless dedication to the protection of our quality of life. Second, we need to raise money to pay the attorney who is responsible for our judicial success.

On May 16, 1997 at 6:00pm we will sponsor a fund-raising dinner at the Brunswick Elks, during which we will pay tribute to Neil for his vision, dedication, and commitment. The event will be emceed by Rensselaer County Legislature Chairman Neil J. Kelleher, and the key-note speaker will be The Times Union's Fred LeBrun.

Reservations for this exciting event must be made by May 4^th by calling 663-5230 or mailing you check for $25.00 each to CCE 141 Cushman Road, Melrose NY 12121.

PLEASE JOIN US! Ken Dufty and Fred Stein.

In cooperation with Troy United Ink Corp., a not-for-profit corporation
Items published herein do not necessarily represent the opinions of Troy United Ink Corp., its officers or it's Board of Directors.

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