Ritchie Joins CNY Lawmakers, Local Leaders to Rally in Support of Nuclear Power

State Senator Patty Ritchie rallied with supporters of Oswego’s three nuclear power plants, lawmakers and local leaders Monday to urge the state Public Service Commission (PSC) to adopt a proposal that would help protect New York State nuclear power plants, as well as the jobs and economic benefits they support. 

At a press conference in Oswego hosted by the Upstate Energy Jobs Coalition, a group representing hundreds of business, education and labor leaders dedicated to ensuring the continued operation of Upstate New York’s three nuclear power plants, Senator Ritchie called on the PSC to adopt its proposed Clean Energy Standard, which  has set a goal of achieving 50 percent renewable energy generation by 2030.

“For nearly a year now, we’ve fought hard to show our support for our Upstate nuclear plants—and today, we continue that fight, and urge the PSC to adopt a Clean Energy Standard that includes support for nuclear energy as well protects the jobs of the hardworking people of our region,” said Senator Ritchie. 

“I would like to thank Governor Cuomo, who since day one has been listening to the concerns of people here in Oswego County, and realizes just how critical nuclear power is to attaining our energy goals, as well as to the economic livelihood of so many people right here in Central New York. I am hopeful that soon, the PSC will adopt a Clean Energy Standard that not only strengthens our state’s energy grid, but also protects vitally important jobs here in our region.”

A Brattle Group report recently showed Upstate New York’s three nuclear energy power plants benefit the region—and the state—in a number of ways, including:

·         Adding $3.16 billion to the state’s gross domestic product;

·         Accounting for nearly 25,000 direct and indirect full time jobs;

·         Contributing $150 million in net state tax revenues annually, which benefits our local schools and other institutions; and

·         Reducing energy costs by $1.7 billion per-year.

Senator Ritchie’s urging the PSC to adopt a Clean Energy Standard that includes support for nuclear continues her efforts to protect the region’s nuclear power plants.  Earlier this year, Senator Ritchie, alongside Assemblyman Will Barclay, collected over 4,000 signatures on a petition in support of the FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant.  In addition, she also advocated for $100 million in the Senate’s one house budget that would help speed up proposed tax credits for renewable energy producers.  Most recently, Senator Ritchie joined with other Upstate lawmakers to call on Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, who serves as Chair of the Assembly Committee on Energy, to tour one of Upstate New York’s nuclear power plants and meet with employees.