Wawayanda residents are demanding the closure of a new power plant that hasn't even opened yet.

That $1 billion natural gas plant is part of a federal corruption probe involving two former aides to the governor.

Many residents have already moved out of town in protest. Others say they plan to. They say the plant will destroy the rural nature of their community.

The Competitive Power Ventures plant on Route 6 is supposed to open next year. But it's been marred with controversy since its inception, including federal allegations that company executives bribed state officials to push through permits. There were also protests involving actor James Cromwell, who was arrested and charged with blocking construction.

The company says the plant would have such low emissions it would be the same as running a lawnmower. Critics call that claim an outright lie. Opponents also accuse state officials of ignoring their concerns.

The CPV power plant will produce a third of the power that the nuclear facility at Indian Point does.
Local and state officials have not yet responded to News 12 requests for comment.