Anellotech to Build in Texas, Activists Rejoice

Biofuels company Anellotech will build the plant to test its green technology process in Texas instead of Pearl River.

Neighbors, who have have vehemently opposed the plan, are jubilant.

“One year ago today, 1/15/15, the NYS DEC issued a letter to the Town of Orangetown, leading up to the 1/21/15 Zoning Board of Appeals continuance meeting. A year later, we come to learn that Anellotech is now moving their bio-refinery operation to Texas to produce BTX. It’s been a long year, and one that will stay with me for a long time. We were told we wouldn’t win,” wrote Heather Hurley on the Stop ANELLOTECH Facebook page.

Anellotech, the research facility on the Pfizer campus in Pearl River and Nanuet, is working on a process to produce chemicals from non-food biomass instead of petroleum. Company officials insisted the process was safe. Neighbors feared its products, like benzine, would be toxic to the communities.

Now, months after receiving the controversial approvals from Orangetown, the company has announced its new plans. Officials said said construction costs in Rockland were too high, according to CBS New York.

Now they’re reminding each other to stay alert.

“We must continue to hold our elected officials and town boards accountable for the decisions that they are making for our community, said Laura Gartshore Woodward on Facebook. “We must be vigilant and continue to stay in the know of what is happening in our community.”

SEE:

• Planning Board Approves Anellotech Site
• Anellotech Foes Rally