OPINION: Nuclear Energy is Critical to New York’s Grid Reliability

Gov. Kathy Hochul recently directed the New York Power Authority (NYPA) to develop and execute a plan to build a “zero-emission advanced nuclear power plant” at a to-be-determined location in upstate New York. I applaud this decision, and I am glad to see the governor finally acknowledging the need to bolster our grid’s reliability with nuclear energy, just as the Assembly Minority Conference has repeatedly called for since the passage of the deeply flawed Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). Per the governor’s [June 23] announcement, “candidate locations will be assessed for suitability based on public safety, strength of community support, compatibility with existing infrastructure, as well as skilled labor and land availability.” As I recently pointed out, Oswego already houses three reactors, and I believe it would be an ideal site for the proposed facility. I look forward to working with our partners in the executive’s office, state agencies, and labor partners to develop a plan that works for all New Yorkers.  The decision to build an advanced nuclear-power plant could not come soon enough. New York’s climate agenda has been on the wrong track for too long. The decommissioning of the two reactor plants at Indian Point — which supplied New York City with about 25 percent of its daily energy — combined with plans to phase out traditional natural gas as we electrify our energy grid and the unrealistic emissions goals of the CLCPA have raised numerous alarms statewide. At some point, Albany’s “green scheme” had to give way to reality. The commitment to nuclear power is a great first step toward addressing the shortcomings of the CLCPA, but we have much more work to do if we are truly going to modernize our energy infrastructure. Nuclear energy is clean, efficient, and reliable, and it is indispensable if New York is going to have a diverse energy portfolio capable of handling our substantial demand. Recently, the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) released a report highlighting the need to improve the reliability of our energy infrastructure. According to NYISO, consumers’ increasing demand for electricity combined with New York taking traditional power plants offline is resulting in declining reliability margins.  [The June 23-25] heat wave highlighted the need for proven, reliable power sources rather than a stubborn rush to alternative supplies. As temperatures rose across the state, NYISO was forced to issue an Energy Warning, which immediately precedes a full-blown Energy Emergency. With the grid approaching peak capacity, the governor encouraged New York City residents to set air-conditioning units to 76 degrees and avoid “unnecessary appliance use.” Should our energy grid fail during a heat wave of this magnitude, or should it fail during similarly extreme winter weather, the situation could turn deadly.   Construction of a new nuclear facility would mark an exciting milestone for our state. I have long advocated for improvements to our energy infrastructure, and I truly believe we have a unique opportunity to not only meet our state’s energy needs, but also exceed them with a modern, affordable, and efficient energy plan driven by nuclear power. I am excited to build upon this momentum and continue to find innovative ways to keep the lights on for generations to come.         

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William (Will) A. Barclay, 56, Republican, is the New York Assembly minority leader and represents the 120th New York Assembly District, which encompasses all of Oswego County, as well as parts of Jefferson and Cayuga counties.