Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York State, has recently dropped plans for constructing yet another nuclear power plant. This is the first major expansion of the United States’ nuclear energy infrastructure in more than 15 years. This initiative aims to enhance the state’s energy capacity while promoting zero-emission power generation, aligning with New York’s commitment to achieving a clean energy economy.
Like Governor Hochul’s proposed nuclear plant to provide at least one gigawatt (GW) of electricity, that would undeniably turbocharge progress. This is a BIG amount … it’s enough to power nearly one million homes! The plant fits into a larger plan to add more zero-emission baseload, or non-intermittent, power to the state’s energy portfolio. When she made her announcement, Hochul pointed to the time sensitivity of the undertaking. She announced that New York’s energy future was moving forward without an insurance policy.
The need for new nuclear capacity comes as electric utility companies predict an unprecedented demand for electricity. Experts predict that the U.S. will require 34 new full-size nuclear power plants within five years. This has all been necessary to meet the country’s changing energy needs. Today, nuclear plants are down to about 19% of the nation’s electricity, down from its high of 23% in 2012. The Indian Point nuclear plant located outside New York City retired in 2021 due to environmental advocacy. This upcoming shutdown underscores the need for facilities with new nuclear technology.
Hochul’s announcement fits neatly with her overarching policy push to the New York Power Authority (NYPA) to create leading edge zero-emission nuclear energy. NYPA is empowered to develop renewable resources of up to 15 GW. This program is an ideal fit with Hochul’s commitment to a diversified energy portfolio. She remarked, “As New York state electrifies its economy, deactivates aging fossil fuel power generation and continues to attract large manufacturers that create good-paying jobs, we must embrace an energy policy of abundance that centers on energy independence and supply chain security to ensure New York controls its energy future.”
Hochul is apparently personally and deeply committed to advancing nuclear energy. She further suggested that Elon Musk’s “department of government efficiency” focus on speeding up regulatory approvals at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. With this recommendation, [Governor Jay] Inslee seeks to lower barriers that have traditionally slowed nuclear down in the nation’s fastest growing state.
Far from everyone has reacted positively to Hochul’s plan. The Public Power NY Coalition criticized the governor’s decision to prioritize nuclear power based on promises from former President Donald Trump. They announced that NYPA has the authority and mission to develop 15GW of renewables. They must not let Trump’s empty promises blind New Yorkers to this essential goal. Hochul’s decision to step in based on promises from Donald Trump shows just how unserious she is about New Yorkers’ energy bills and climate future.
Despite criticisms from all sides, Hochul continues to double down on her vision. She’s certain that nuclear energy is essential to New York’s clean energy future. She even goes so far as to calling this initiative a “critical energy initiative” that will complement the commonwealth’s renewable energy efforts.