Statement from Senator Patty Ritchie on FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant

Today’s news regarding the potential purchase of the James A. FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant is a very positive step in the right direction when it comes to protecting the vitality of Oswego County, as well as our state’s energy network.

It’s  clear that FitzPatrick is vital not only to achieving the Governor’s ambitious clean energy goals, but also to New York State’s energy security and economic growth. I would like to thank Governor Cuomo for recognizing this, and also for the work he has done so far to help keep FitzPatrick operational.

In recent months, I’ve been proud to join with our region’s other representatives to show my support for FitzPatrick, its employees and the impacted communities. Through efforts like including $100 million in the Senate’s budget to provide support for nuclear power, advocating for nuclear to be part of the state’s new Clean Energy Standard and collecting 4,000 signatures—from people in Central New York, as well as across the country—in support of the plant, we have sent a clear message of support for FitzPatrick and its dedicated workers. 

I am optimistic about an agreement being reached, and moving forward, I will continue to do what’s necessary to protect FitzPatrick, as well as Oswego’s other job—and energy—generating nuclear plants.