New Albany Mayor, Council Told to 'Do Better' on Plant

New Albany residents and doctors urged the city council and the Ohio Power Siting Board to reject a proposed seventh gas-fired power plant, citing concerns over health risks from pollutants. Dr. Don DeShetler, a New Albany resident and doctor, told an administrative law judge that the PowerConneX New Albany 3 Energy Center would use “highly inefficient and extremely polluting” gas power plants, emitting 178.1 tons of fine particulate matter annually. He warned that PM2.5 can cause heart disease, stroke, asthma, cancer, and premature death, especially in children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.

Residents Urge Council to Protect Children

During a New Albany City Council meeting on Tuesday, about a dozen frustrated constituents repeatedly told Mayor Sloan Spalding and council members to "do better" in protecting residents and children from harmful pollutants. She reminded them that New Albany residents support Pelotonia, an annual bicycle ride that raises money for cancer research.

Whitney Priestas Asks Board to Protect Family

A public hearing on the PowerConneX plant was held on Thursday, Oct. 22, at the New Albany Plain Local Early Learning Center. Thirty-seven people testified, with five in favor—representing trade unions citing potential construction jobs—and the rest opposing the proposal. Among them was 8-year-old Whitney Priestas, a second-grader who asked the Ohio Power Siting Board to remember the health of her family and future. “I know adults have to make important decisions,” she said, prompting a standing ovation from the nearly 100 attendees.

PowerConneX Application Lists Emissions

The PowerConneX application lists annual emissions including 161.3 tons of nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide, 178.1 tons of fine particulate matter, and 63.8 tons of hazardous air pollutants. The plant would be built on a 170-acre site in the New Albany International Business Park, removing 65 acres of trees. The OPSB will hold an evidentiary hearing on Nov. 4 in Columbus, where public testimony will not be accepted. Comments can be submitted online under case number 26-361-EL-BGN, and the board is expected to decide in January.