New nuke plant will unleash NY’s energy potential
Op-ed published on Syracuse.com on June 24, 2025
New York state is leading the way on clean energy. However, the state’s progress toward achieving its emission reduction goals has been hindered by a lack of expansion of our nuclear capabilities. This is why Gov. Kathy Hochul’s recent announcement, instructing the New York Power Authority to construct a zero-emission advanced nuclear power plant in Upstate New York, could not have come at a more crucial time.
Without the scaling of nuclear power production that has met our energy demands, a dependence on fossil fuels has reignited. Downstate New York’s grid electric generation went from 68% fossil powered in 2019 to 94% in 2023, per New York Independent System Operator (NYISO). This notable jump has caused annual greenhouse gas emissions from New York’s electric sector to increase by nearly a third. And more emissions mean more harmful air pollutants that threaten the health of every New Yorker.
On top of the negative environmental effects, the opening of thousands of primarily union jobs has been delayed. These multigenerational careers provide an important stimulus to the local economy.
Increased emissions and hindered job creation in the clean energy sector certainly do not reflect the state’s clean energy vision. This is why putting in motion the addition of a new plant to the state’s current fleet of three nuclear energy sites, under the framework previously laid out by the governor, is a key milestone in unleashing our full renewables potential and igniting our green economy.
For starters, the construction and operation of the new nuclear power plant will create thousands of good-paying and family-sustaining union careers and more opportunities for hardworking New Yorkers to ascend to the middle class. For example, the recent expansion of Plant Vogtle in Georgia generated more than 9,000 union construction careers, per the Department of Energy.
After construction is complete, the plant could employ up to 800 workers, with more permanent positions and salaries 50% higher than those working in other renewables. But to ensure this new project is built, operated, maintained and repaired by union workers, the state must apply robust and comprehensive labor standards for construction, operation and maintenance.
This steady source of employment can generate economic stimulus for local communities, especially those Upstate. Nationwide, nuclear power plants funnel billions of dollars annually into local economies through federal and state tax revenues.
Additionally, the reinstalment of nuclear power into our energy lineup will help reverse this recent rise in emissions and greatly increase New York’s overall clean energy production. The more than 471 million metric tons of carbon avoided nationally by nuclear plants each year amounts to removing 100 million cars off the road.
As other sources like solar and wind continue to be scaled, and face a dependency on certain weather conditions, nuclear energy offers a consistent stream of power. Uranium, the raw material utilized in nuclear energy production, is a widely available resource. In 2019, nuclear power accounted for 81% of the state’s entire clean energy production.
This reliable energy production also better ensures grid stability. As New York continues to integrate renewables like wind and solar, which have the potential to strain the grid, a new nuclear plant can help fortify energy flow. The downscaling of nuclear power has greatly threatened the reliability of the electric grid serving Downstate New York, leading to higher power costs and potential energy shortages. New York City remains at an extremely elevated risk for emergencies, as observed by NYISO’s 2021-2030 Comprehensive Reliability Plan.
Lastly, nuclear energy is also safe. Despite wide misconceptions about nuclear energy fueled by historical disasters like Chernobyl, it is one of the safest sources of energy worldwide. It results in 99.9% fewer deaths than brown coal; 99.8% fewer than coal; 99.7% fewer than oil; and 97.6% fewer than gas. There have been no significant incidents at any of New York’s nuclear plants.
New York has been missing this big piece of its clean energy puzzle for far too long. Another nuclear power plant will offer a reliable and powerful option for carbon-free energy production, which can help us achieve our emissions reduction goals. And on top of the improvements it will bring to the environment, it will better the lives of countless New Yorkers by creating viable union careers, bolstering the middle class, generating economic stimulus, and lowering overall energy costs. This new investment in expanding our nuclear options is a big step forward in establishing a successful green economy.