State makes great leap forward on energy by backing nuclear
In passing the Clean Energy Standard (CES), New York is now the groundbreaking world leader in recognizing nuclear power’s crucial role in our energy portfolio and in the protection of our environment. The Public Service Commission’s (PSC) support for nuclear plants in the CES 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 for New Yorkers in every way. Our economy wins 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 directly and indirectly from nuclear production. Our environment wins because nuclear generation in New York prevents the emission of 15.5 million metric tons of carbon each year.
Gov. Cuomo and the PSC deserve praise for the CES and preserving the many crucial contributions our nuclear plants make. One important step remains to assure that we realize the full potential of our nuclear fleet: The state should drop its opposition to the relicensing of Indian Point, which produces fully 20 percent of New York’s clean power with proven safety according to the most rigorous standards, and prevents the emission of 6.5 million metric tons of carbon annually.
The CES is a great leap forward toward New York’s renewable energy future; let’s make sure we support every asset we need to fulfill its worthy goals.
Rob DiFrancesco
Director
New York Affordable Reliable Electricity Alliance
Energy proposal raises many questions, including costs
Even though Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s energy plan has been approved by New York State’s Public Service Commission, Hudson Valley residents and business owners are still owed answers to some very basic questions that affect them.
For one, how much will this plan actually cost families and business ratepayers? Gov. Cuomo has said the benefits of having New York get 50 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030 outweigh the costs. But such costs, which include billions in subsidies, will be passed on to ratepayers — the same people that already pay among the highest taxes and energy bills in the country. It’s clear that this plan will cost them more, but just how much remains a mystery.
Also disconcerting to many residents is that this plan will result in the construction of new above-ground electric transmission lines in upstate New York — particularly affecting counties throughout the 19th Congressional District — and will require new monster power lines from power generators upstate. New York Independent System Operator (NYISO), which also runs the state’s wholesale electric markets and knows well how Cuomo’s plan could affect New York’s power grid, estimates that it could require up to 1,000 miles of new bulk power transmissions. What exactly will upstate look like with such a new maze of transmission lines?
There are many legitimate concerns that must be addressed with this plan. Ratepayers deserve to have their questions answered.
John Faso
Kinderhook
Congressional candidate in District 19 on the Republican, Conservative, Independence and Reform lines
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