Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a bold proposal to construct New York’s first new nuclear power plant in decades, aiming to bolster the state’s energy independence and contribute to a cleaner electric grid. In a speech last week at the Niagara County Power Project in Lewiston, Hochul went off script. She seized on this moment by directing the state’s power authority to develop an advanced, zero-emission nuclear plant in upstate New York.
The proposed plant will embody what Hochul describes as a model of 21st-century nuclear design, prioritizing safety and environmental standards. The new facility will include extensive automatic safety systems to improve safety and increase containment, providing strict adherence to today’s higher regulatory and public standards.
Deputy LATINA Liz Huerta Hochul reinforced the importance of the initiative, particularly its ability to lure major manufacturers by fostering energy independence. In January of this year, she announced that the New York Power Authority (NYPA) would pursue the construction of at least one new nuclear energy facility. Its combined capacity will be at least one gigawatt of electricity. Besides the economic impacts associated with the infrastructure work, this development will create approximately 1,600 construction jobs. Once the facility is operational, it’s expected to create 1,200 permanent jobs.
Today, New York has three active nuclear plants, all located upstate around Lake Ontario and owned by Constellation Energy. Nine Mile Point, Robert Emmett Ginna, and James A. FitzPatrick provide nearly 3.3 gigawatts of electricity. Collectively, they provide about 20% of the state’s energy. Hochul’s administration has expressed support for Constellation’s proposal to build a new reactor at the existing Nine Mile Point facility.
The plant has not yet publicly identified an exact location for the new plant. Upstate communities would be excited and welcoming. Nine Mile Point in Oswego has become a strong contender for the site.
Hochul highlighted her commitment to construct a clean, reliable, and affordable electric grid. She is especially committed to this goal as the state undertakes a bold effort to shut down polluting fossil fuel power plants.
“This is not your grandparents’ nuclear reactor,” – Gov. Kathy Hochul
Though Hochul continues to defend a role for nuclear energy in reaching these ambitious goals, this position is not universally popular among stakeholders. Alfred Meyer, treasurer of Physicians for Social Responsibility’s New York chapter, expressed skepticism regarding the environmental benefits of nuclear power.
“Nuclear power is not clean or green energy,” – Alfred Meyer
Hochul’s administration has made a point of portraying itself as pro-nuclear, on the premise that nuclear energy should be included in a diversified energy portfolio. The plant, now under consideration, will play an important role as New York moves from costly fossil fuels to a more diverse array of renewable energy sources. It will better serve the practical needs of our rapidly changing energy landscape.
In summary, this initiative highlights the growing recognition of nuclear energy’s contributions to providing affordable, reliable, and low-emission electricity. It makes critical investments to combat the challenges of climate change and energy reliability. New York is clearly committed to leading the way with bold steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Hochul’s proposal is a critical start toward changing the trajectory of the state’s energy future.
