Smucker, Local Elected Officials Oppose Proposed York County Energy Project
Proposed pumped-storage hydroelectric project would have devastating impacts on the community and environment.
Smucker, Local Elected Officials Oppose Proposed York County Energy Project
Proposed pumped-storage hydroelectric project would have devastating impacts on the community and environment.
For Immediate Release: February 12, 2024
Wrightsville, PA – Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) led local elected county and state elected officials in a letter opposing the preliminary permit application submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, known as FERC, for proposed construction of a hydroelectric pumped storage facility at Cuffs Run proposed by York Energy Storage, LLC.
“The landscape of the lower Susquehanna River gorge has been recognized by both the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government as a landscape worthy of protection and investment.” The lawmakers continue: “This project, if allowed to proceed, would destroy preserved farms, a regional scenic trail, the viewshed of a popular multimodal rail trail, and forested lands needed to help protect the ecological health of this landscape and an already impaired waterway…We stand united in opposition to this project and York Energy Storage LLC’s application.”
Click here to read the lawmakers’ letter.
“I am grateful that my colleagues from both sides of the aisle and both sides of the Susquehanna River stand united in opposition to this project. We stand against this project which would uproot families, impact preserved farms, and irreparably damage the natural beauty that so many have worked so hard to preserve along the Susquehanna River,” said Rep. Smucker (PA-11).
“With three electric producing dams already along our river, York County produces its fair share of energy, and suffers its fair share of environmental impact. The need to balance energy production and open space preservation is important. The proposed dam would contradict our County’s comprehensive plan, our economic action plan, and our ability to best leverage our outdoor economy – all considerable factors that contribute to our County’s economic competitiveness. I urge the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to consider these factors when making its decision,” said York County President Commissioner Julie Wheeler.
“Let me be clear: it is the failed policies of the State of Maryland that is driving this atrocious proposed project. Lancaster and York Countians have had enough. We stand united in our opposition to this project, and we stand in support of our environmental, agricultural, and historical treasures and most importantly, we stand in support of the people of southern York County,” said State Senator Kristin Phillips-Hill (PA-28).
"This project will affect dozens of family farms and destroy people's lives who have lived there for generations. I stand alongside my constituents in strong opposition of this project," said State Rep. Wendy Fink (PA-94).
“In Lancaster County we have worked hard to preserve farmland and forestland for future generations, and we value those natural resources. We also appreciate the collaboration of our partners in York County over the years in helping to build a strong recreational economy along the Susquehanna River. That benefits river towns like Columbia and Marietta and other communities on both sides of the river. This proposed project puts that progress at risk,” said Chairman of the Lancaster County Board of Commissioners Josh Parsons.
“Over $100 million has been invested in protecting the forested landscape of the Susquehanna River shared by our two great counties of York and Lancaster. The Lancaster Conservancy is proud to work alongside neighbors, partners, and these elected officials to save Cuffs Run and oppose this project that will destroy nearly 1,000 acres doing un-reparable damage to our river and wildlife populations, while displacing 36 families from their homes. We must stand together!” said Fritz Schroeder, President and CEO of the Lancaster Conservancy.
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