York County had plans to increase its power generation by building a hydroelectric plant, but it seems there is a mistake. The project was approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). However, local leaders aren’t happy about it.
A hydroelectric plant gone wrong, why local leaders are not happy
The plans for a new pumped storage hydroelectric project in York County have been granted preliminary permit approval but there are mixed reactions about it.
Recently, the FERC voted to grant preliminary permit approval for the project proposed by York Energy Storage, LLC (YES) but it seems there is a lot that causes a public outcry.
According to a permit application submitted by YES in January 2024, this hydroelectric project would consist of a 25-foot high dam that would run 1.8 miles long.
ABC27 reports that “The proposed facility would also feature a power turbine-pumped storage facility at Cuffs Run Ravine and Creek, which is a tributary to the Susquehanna River.
“YES says upon the project’s completion, it would have a total capacity of 858 Megawatts of both input and output.”
Resulting of FERC’s granted preliminary permit, organizations and public servants are united in one voice and have spoken out against the project, citing several possible ramifications of the $2.8 billion hydroelectric project.
Hydroelectric plant to displace residents
In a report published by the Lancaster Conservancy, the proposed energy generation plant or facility would displace over 40 residents. It will also destroy preserved farmlands and forested lands critical to the health of the Susquehanna Riverlands Conservation Landscape and waterways.
Moreover, the conservancy body adds that the project would also impact sections of the Mason-Dixon Trail, Enola Low-Grade Trail, and the Susquehanna River Water Trail.
Specifically, the proposed project would take about 1,100 acres of land from property owners and flood 580 acres along the Susquehanna River.
“The decision today by FERC to grant York Energy Storage a preliminary permit to study a pumped storage project at Cuffs Run is disappointing and disregards the valid concerns and strong objections raised by so many community members, businesses, and organizations,” Fritz Schroeder, Lancaster Conservancy’s President and CEO said.
“We will continue to organize and oppose this project that would have a profoundly negative impact on our community, the Susquehanna River, and the natural landscape we have fought so hard to protect. This is not the future we want to leave the next generation – trading our forested river hills for concrete and destruction.”
More voices against the hydroelectric plant
As the calls against this project escalate, the likes of State Senator Kristin Phillips-Hill and Congressman Lloyd Smucker are also against the hydroelectric plant.
“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,” said Rep. Smucker.
“More than $100 Million has been invested in this scenic area over the last decade to preserve our rich agricultural heritage and make the Susquehanna region a tourist and outdoor recreation hub. We cannot sacrifice that growth in the name of ‘clean energy’.”
“The unelected bureaucrats at FERC made it crystal clear that one of the Biden Administration’s last acts in office will be to green light a project that will destroy lives and livelihoods in southern York County,” Sen. Phillips-Hill added.
Echoing the sentiments of those who are agaiants the hydroelectric plant is the State House’s outgoing minority leader Bryan Cutler who also weighed in on FERC’s decision as well.
Cutler said their decision to grant a preliminary permit for the proposed project is “disappointing”.
Moving forward, the Lancaster Conservancy says YES will have at least four years to raise about $12.5 million and complete multiple studies about the project.