Letter: Right move to save nuclear plants
The decommissioned Shoreham Nuclear Power Plant in Shoreham, as seen on April 25, 2015. Credit: Doug Kuntz
The recent passage of a new Clean Energy Standard makes New York a leader in recognizing nuclear power’s crucial role in our energy portfolio and in the protection of our environment [“Cash to aid nuke plants,” News, Aug. 2]. The Public Service Commission’s support for nuclear plants means that we’re one step closer to achieving the ambitious and important goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent (from 1990 levels) by 2030.
The new CES is a win because billions of dollars in economic activity and state and local taxes are provided by our nuclear fleet. Our workers, families, and communities win because they benefit from thousands of good-paying jobs. Our environment wins because nuclear generation in New York prevents the emission of 15.5 million metric tons of carbon each year.
One important step remains: The state should drop its opposition to the relicensing of the Indian Point nuclear plant, which produces fully 20 percent of New York’s clean power and prevents the emission of 6.5 million metric tons of carbon annually.
Rob DiFrancesco, Manhattan
Editor’s note: The writer is the director of the New York Affordable Reliable Electricity Alliance, a nuclear industry group.
