Senator Ritchie Again Urges Prompt Approval of the Transfer of FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant to Exelon

In the wake of this week’s lawsuit aimed at derailing efforts to keep the James A. FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant open, State Senator Patty Ritchie again called for swift approval to transfer ownership of the plant.

The plan to transfer ownership of the plant from its current operator, Entergy, to Exelon is necessary to keep the plant open and protect the jobs of over 600 people in the region Senator Ritchie represents. It is a critical part of New York State’s “Clean Energy Standard” that was recently approved by the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC). This plan establishes the state’s clean energy goals, and the continued operation of the FitzPatrick plant is closely tied to meeting these ambitious objectives.

“I would like to thank Governor Cuomo and the PSC for developing the Clean Energy Standard and for their ongoing support for the continued operation of FitzPatrick,” said Senator Ritchie.

“Keeping FitzPatrick open is of vital importance both locally and statewide. I am deeply concerned that this lawsuit could delay the process, creating long-term adverse consequences, and jeopardize the plan to continue operation of the facility,” said Senator Ritchie.

In addition to being one of the largest employers in the region, thousands of jobs across the state are directly tied to the operation of nuclear power plants. Locally, FitzPatrick generates $500 million per year in economic activity.

A source of clean, reliable energy production, FitzPatrick produces over 800 MW of power, capable of powering more than 800,000 homes and businesses. Statewide, nuclear power plants produce nearly a third of the energy consumed in the state. Closing nuclear power plants will dramatically decrease the state’s energy diversity, causing more reliance on fossil fuels. Nuclear power plants generate electricity without producing the carbon emissions and other harmful emissions typical of many other forms of energy generation. Closing nuclear power plants could increase carbon emissions by 16 million tons annually.

“Closing the plant has an impact beyond the borders of our region,” said Senator Ritchie. “It would dramatically affect the reliability of New York State’s energy grid and result in unfortunate environmental impacts for the entire state.”

Ownership transfer of the plant is awaiting federal approval from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Earlier this month, Senator Ritchie sent a letter to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission urging approval of an application that would allow for the transfer of control of FitzPatrick.

“I eagerly await expeditious approval of the transfer in ownership of the FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant to Exelon and to its continuing operation that provides New York with safe, affordable, clean energy,” said Senator Ritchie.