DEP approves natural gas power plant

The state Department of Environmental Protection has approved an air emissions permit for the state’s first new electric power plant to run on natural gas, and at least one other new gas-powered plant has been proposed.

The DEP announced today that it had approved construction of a 936 megawatt power plant in Asylum Township, Bradford County. The two-unit, gas-powered facility will be built by Moxie Liberty LLC of Vienna, Va.  DEP also issued an industrial stormwater permit for the plant and gave approval for the use of water as drinking water.

The DEP said Moxie Patriot LLC, a sister company to Moxie Liberty LLC, has applied for an air quality plan approval for a similar facility in Clinton Township, Lycoming County. That application is under review by the department.

Construction of the Bradford county project will employ 500 workers at it peak, with an average of 200. The power plant will employ 30 workers once construction is completed.

“This power plant will benefit the environment and the economy by using a cleaner fuel and creating hundreds of jobs,” said DEP Secretary Mike Krancer. “It is a win-win and another landmark moment in the long history of Pennsylvania’s leadership role in producing and delivering energy for our nation.”