New York environmental regulators on Wednesday rejected permits to build two natural gas-fired power plants as the state focuses more on renewable projects and energy efficiency to meet its greenhouse gas reduction goals. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) denied air emissions permits for NRG Energy Inc’s (NRG.N) proposed Astoria gas turbine project in the New York City borough of Queens, and Danskammer Energy LLC’s proposed Danskammer repowering project in Newburgh on the Hudson River. In both cases, the DEC said: “Our review determined the proposed project does not demonstrate compliance with the requirements of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.” The 2019 act seeks to achieve 100% zero-emission electricity in the state by 2040. Officials at NRG and Danskammer were not immediately available for comment. New York Governor Kathy Hochul issued a statement applauding the DEC’s decisions to deny the […]