The Greene Co. Industrial Development Agency is considering to grant a new PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) to Athens Generating Plant. The public comment period was simply not long enough!  The Greene Co. legislature has given their approval.  But the residents of Greene Co. do not want this PILOT to be granted.  It’s time the fossil fuel burning energy industry pays their fair share of taxes!!

We must be considering how to end this use of dirty energy rather than provide incentive to continue burning fuels that contaminate our air and contribute to Green House Gas Emissions (GHG).  Our planet cannot afford to heat any more than it has already.  Weather patterns are unstable and getting worse every year.  AND – the law of the state, the Community Leadership and Climate Protection Act (CLCPA) calls for a reduction of GHG emissions by 40% in the next 7 years and by 85% as soon as 2050.

The climate can’t wait!

Also - The Town of Athens, the Catskill School District and Greene County DERSERVE TO BE PAID THE SAME TAX RATE FROM ATHENS GEN AS FROM ANY OTHER LOCAL BUSINESS! 

As a resident of Greene Co., NYS, the world, I am signing this petition in opposition to the IDA granting a new PILOT to Athens Gen.  We must protect the environment for future generations!