Energy Chair Aubertine Calls New Reactor in Oswego a Priority

Aubertine: UniStar project would stimulate economy without government investment

OSWEGO (June 10, 2009)—Continuing the work he was elected to do, state Sen. Darrel J. Aubertine today pledged his unwavering support to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for a proposed fourth nuclear reactor in Oswego, calling it an economic stimulus for the region that requires no taxpayer funding.

“Seeing this project move forward has been a priority of mine as a representative of Oswego County,” said Sen. Aubertine, chair of the Senate Energy Committee and the Upstate Democratic Caucus. “It will create hundreds of jobs without requiring government investment and move our State and the Nation closer to energy independence without increased greenhouse gas emissions. That’s a win-win and I am committed to continuing my work to see this project move forward.”

UniStar Nuclear Energy, LLC is a joint venture of the EDF Group and Constellation Energy, which owns two of the three reactors already located at Nine Mile Point. The company has plans for four new nuclear reactors in the United States, including the reactor at Nine Mile Point, which would be built to the highest safety standards and expects to recycle 96 percent of spent fuel when generating electricity.

“UniStar’s plans for a new state-of-the-art nuclear reactor in Oswego will create jobs and help New York State meet its energy needs in an environmentally responsible way,” Sen. Aubertine said. “I’m proud to say that Central and Northern New York is our state’s ‘energy backyard’ and this new reactor would be yet another asset to help revitalize Upstate New York with jobs, low-cost power and an increased tax base.”

In his testimony, the Senator pointed out that the state cannot reduce its greenhouse gas emissions without diversifying its energy portfolio and this project, with its new technology that includes recycling fuel, is cleaner and cheaper than carbon emitting fossil fuels and moves the state forward in its ongoing goal of an environmentally sustainable future.

“This project would create more than 400 new jobs and this private investment would have a better than dollar-for-dollar impact on our local economy,” the Senator wrote, noting the $20 million annual impact for the state and local tax base expected from this project. The two Constellation reactors already located at Nine Mile Point support 900 jobs, a payroll of close to $100 million and contribute $25 million to local taxes each year.

He went on to write, “I reiterate my unwavering support for this important project. I implore the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to recognize the strong support expressed by the community and their elected representatives in making its decision to improve this expansion. It is important for Oswego County. It is important for Central New York. It is important for all of New York State and our Nation.”

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