The Nuclear Future We Fought For Is Finally Here

Start spreadin’ the news.

This week’s announcement that Constellation Energy will pursue federal approval for new nuclear development at Nine Mile Point is monumental news for Oswego County and all of New York.

If approved, it would mark the first new nuclear project in New York since construction began on Nine Mile Point Unit 2 in 1975. The project would bring thousands of jobs, millions in economic investment and provide the reliable, around-the-clock power New York is increasingly dependent on.

For more than a decade, I have strongly advocated for nuclear energy as a fundamental piece of New York’s energy future. I introduced legislation to support FitzPatrick and Zero Emission Credits, testified before the Public Service Commission and worked alongside local leaders, labor organizations and economic development groups to build support for preserving Upstate nuclear facilities and protecting thousands of local jobs.

Many of us warned that shutting down nuclear facilities would cost jobs, weaken the electric grid and drive up energy costs. Nearly a decade later, those warnings have proven justified. Back in 2016, I said, “If you want zero emissions or to cut state energy emissions by 50 percent by 2030, there’s no way you can accomplish that without including nuclear.” Call it ahead of the curve—or just common sense.

Today, New York faces rapidly increasing electricity demand driven by advanced manufacturing, semiconductor production, artificial intelligence and statewide electrification mandates. But Albany is 0-for-3 on rushed climate mandates that simply cannot be implemented alongside aggressive climate goals that require dependable, emissions-free baseload power. In recent years, the state has been forced to delay its all-electric building requirements and slow portions of its overly ambitious climate agenda amid growing concerns about affordability, infrastructure and grid capacity. And just this week, the Assembly voted to delay the all-electric school bus mandate.

Oswego County is ready to lead this next chapter. We already have the skilled workforce, infrastructure, emergency preparedness systems and community support necessary for nuclear development. Few regions in the country can match our experience as a host community for safe, reliable nuclear energy generation.

I welcome this big news and the opportunities it represents for our communities and the future of energy in New York state. I remain committed to ensuring our region has a strong voice as these discussions move forward. The people of Oswego County helped build New York’s energy economy, and we are more than ready to help lead its future as well.

If you have any questions or comments on this or any other state issue, or if you would like to be added to my mailing list or receive my newsletter, please contact my office. My office can be reached by mail at 19 Canalview Mall, Fulton, NY 13069 and by email at [email protected]. You may also find me, Assemblyman Will Barclay, on Facebook or X at @WillABarclay.

Print this entry