Nearly 150 Elected Officials and Community Leaders From Throughout Central and Northern New York Call on PSC to Support Nuclear Power

Nearly 150 elected officials and community leaders from throughout Oswego, Jefferson and St. Lawrence Counties are calling on the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) to adopt a new Clean Energy Standard (CES) that would strengthen the state’s energy grid and at the same time, protect the jobs of thousands of hardworking people statewide.  

In a letter sent today, individuals representing towns, cities, villages and school districts throughout Central and Northern New York, urged the PSC to adopt its proposed Clean Energy Standard that includes support for nuclear power. The PSC is slated to adopt a new CES, which  has set a goal of achieving 50 percent renewable energy generation by 2030, on August 1st.

“Ensuring the continued operation of our state’s nuclear power plants isn’t just an issue that’s important to the regions in which those facilities exist—it’s important to our state as a whole,” said State Senator Patty Ritchie. 

“The tremendous economic benefits supported by nuclear generating facilities cannot be overstated, and I’m pleased to see so many leaders from throughout Central and Northern New York lending their voices in support of the adoption of a CES that includes nuclear power, and in turn, boosts our state’s economy and protects the jobs of thousands of hardworking men and women. We have fought hard to demonstrate that nuclear power is a critical piece of the puzzle when it comes to helping New York State achieve its clean energy goals, and I am hopeful that on Monday, the PSC will act on its plan that includes support for, clean, reliable nuclear power.”

“It is imperative that the PSC adopt the proposed Clean Energy Standard at their meeting on August 1st,” said Assemblyman Will Barclay.  “Failure to do so will result in the loss of thousands of jobs, higher electricity rates and the potential loss of clean reliable electricity generation. By adopting the Clean Energy Standard, New York State will be one of the first states in the nation to recognize that nuclear power is critical to our future electricity needs.  The adoption of the Clean Energy Standard will illustrate that New York is serious about reducing CO2 emissions, while at the same time recognizing that we need proven, reliable and efficient electricity generation that can only be provided by our nuclear power plants.”

“Thousands of people across our region have joined the call to encourage the PSC to make nuclear power part of the new Clean Energy Standard,” said Assemblyman Bob Oaks.  “I am thrilled that so many elected officials and community leaders are adding their voices to this critical issue.  I am hopeful the PSC will adopt the CES so that nuclear power can continue to play a vital role in meeting our clean energy goals.”

“Though Jefferson County is miles away from nuclear generating facilities in Central New York, you don’t have to go very far to see the positive effects these plants have on our region,” said Jefferson County Board of Legislators Chairman Scott Gray.“Our county is home to individuals who work at these plants, or have family and friends that hold jobs there.  Simply put, we cannot afford to lose these jobs, or the other economic benefits nuclear power plants support locally, and across our state.”

“For nearly a year now, people across Central New York have been fighting hard to ensure our voices are heard when it comes to protecting the James A. FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant, Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station and other nuclear generating facilities across New York State,” said Oswego County Legislature Chairman Kevin Gardner. “I am thrilled to see so many people from Oswego County’s neighboring counties join with us in support of nuclear power, and demonstrate that this isn’t just a Central New York issue—it’s a statewide issue.”

In the letter, the group outlines the ways in which the proposed CES would benefit New York State, including:

• Helping to avoid an increased reliance on fossil fuels and the emission of nearly 16 million tons of extra carbon dioxide annually;
• Safeguarding fuel diversity and allowing protection against price volatility during high winter and summer demand periods;
• Continuing the operation of highly-reliable facilities that help to provide more than 30 percent of the energy consumed in our state;
• Ensuring the annual addition of $3.16 billion to the state’s gross domestic product; and
• Protecting the jobs of 25,000 hardworking men and women that operate and support nuclear facilities.

To view a copy of the letter, please click on the PDF at the top of this webpage.