Adoption of Clean Energy Standard Acknowledges Nuclear as Clean, Green Energy

by Contributor | August 4, 2016 9:52 am

To the Editor:

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 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.

Governor 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 towards New York’s renewable energy future; let’s make sure we support every asset we need to fulfill its worthy goals.

Sincerely,

Rob DiFrancesco
Director, New York AREA
1177 Avenue of the Americas, 5th Floor
New York, NY 10036

About the Author: Rob DiFrancesco is the director of the New York Affordable Reliable Electricity Alliance (New York AREA), a diverse coalition of more than 150 business, labor, and community leaders and organizations. Entergy, the owner of Indian Point, is a member. Founded in 2003, New York AREA’s mission is to ensure that New York State has an ample and reliable electricity supply and economic prosperity for years to come

Source URL: https://oswegocountytoday.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/adoption-of-clean-energy-standard-acknowledges-nuclear-as-clean-green-energy/

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