Gray Addresses Air Products Project Cancellation, Correctional Officers’ Work Stoppage in ‘The Gray Area’
Assemblyman Scott Gray (R-Watertown) released the latest episode of “The Gray Area” video series. In this week’s episode, Gray focused on the halted Air Products hydrogen plant project in Massena, the ongoing work stoppages among correctional officers and advocacy efforts at the Capitol.
“Air Products’ decision to cancel the $650 million green hydrogen plant in Massena is largely due to federal tax credit policies that do not classify hydro as renewable energy, despite New York state’s recognition of it as such,” Gray explained. “Additionally, the absence of a cap-and-invest policy in New York presents another significant hurdle for these types of projects.”
Gray also noted that broader corporate changes at Air Products, including leadership shifts, contributed to the decision, leading to the cancellation of multiple projects. “This is unfortunate news for Massena, where the project was well underway. We will continue working to find a viable solution for the site.”
Another key issue Gray addressed is the work stoppage among correctional officers in New York state prisons. “This is not a strike. These officers are fighting against unsafe policies that have been imposed on them unilaterally,” Gray stated. “Their main concerns include the HALT Act, which severely limits disciplinary procedures, putting officers, civilians and inmates at risk.”
“In this week’s episode, I lay out the real issues and real solutions. The governor recently claimed she doesn’t know what the problems are—well, here they are, and here’s how we fix them,” Gray said.
This week’s episode of The Gray Area features highlights on various advocacy efforts in Albany, with visits from organizations such as the New York State Academy of Family Physicians, New York State Association of Counties, the New York Aviation Management Association, health care advocates and many more.
“Look out for next week’s episode of The Gray Area as we continue to update you on what you care about. We always appreciate the opportunity to serve you and to work with you. Don’t hesitate to call my office staff with questions, comments or concerns—see you soon,” Gray concluded.
Watch the full episode here. *This video was recorded before the DOCCS agreement on 2/27*