HELP SAVE UPSTATE NUCLEAR JOBS TODAY - TELL THE PSC WE SUPPORT THE STAFF'S PROPOSAL AND SUPPORT ZERO EMISSIONS The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) is seeking public comment on the Department of Public Service staff's proposal for preserving zero emissions attributes as called for in the Commission's Clean Energy Standard proceeding. We are asking that you take a few minutes to send in a comment through the link below to the Public Service Commission supporting the Staff's recommendation to continue the operation of the James A. FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant and the Nine Mile Point Nuclear Generating Station in Oswego County and Ginna Nuclear Power Plant in Wayne County. Your support will help save thousands of jobs, while ensuring the continuation of property tax payments into these communities that help support our schools and infrastructure. Public comments are due Sunday, July 18th. Please take five minutes and help save a job today.
Click here to post yourPSC Comment on the Clean Energy Standard
Sample Comment:I am writing to support the NYSPSC ZEC proposal as it thoroughly highlights the value and benefits of nuclear generation. It properly balances many complicated energy and environmental challenges while allowing New York to more fully transition to its 50% by 2030 aggressive clean energy goals. This proposal will avoid the pitfalls that other states and countries experienced by the premature shutdown of zero emitting, high capacity nuclear facilities.
I support the PSC Staff's proposal as it accurately outlines the value that upstate nuclear generation provides including: o $4B net benefit over the next two years o Avoidance of 15.5M tons of CO2 annually o Retention of 2,600 highly qualified upstate jobs o Avoidance of increased SO2, NOx, Hg, PM and ozone These benefits have been further reinforced by independent analysis from the Brattle Group, Navigant Consulting and NYISO.
The implementation of the Staff's proposal supports New York's CO2, NOx, SO2, Hg, PM and ozone stewardship, protects the energy market from an over-dependence on fossil fuel, promotes the upstate economy, and allows New York time to implement the 50% by 2030 renewable portion of the CES standard.
If we fail to recognize the substantial value that upstate nuclear provides at this critical time; the net result will be higher energy costs, capacity costs, higher CO2 and other criteria pollutants and lock New York State into an enormous long term dependence of fossil fuel for the next 20-30 years. The loss of jobs will severely impact our economy and communities.
The NYSPSC ZEC proposal accurately balances energy, economic and environmental realities going forward both in the short, medium and long term. Other states and countries have not exercised this level of analysis only to experience higher energy costs, increased emission, and a less fuel diverse and reliable grid.
The Staff's proposal unequivocally outlines the benefits realized by continuation of upstate nuclear facilities include: o $4B net benefit over the next two years o Avoidance of 15.5M tons of CO2 annually o Retention of 2,600 highly qualified upstate jobs o Avoidance of increased SO2, NOx, Hg, PM and ozone emissions
Right now New York State is at a critical crossroads. We could become more dependent on fossil fuel and higher CO2 emissions if nuclear resources are prematurely or maintain existing zero emissions resources and attract new clean energy resources, while maintaining and attracting new jobs.
The ZEC proposal coupled with Tier 1 & 2 of the proposed Clean Energy Standard will further enhance New York's environmental stewardship, promote the upstate economy and allow the ample time to further transition to the aggressive goal of 50% by 2030.
I believe the facts are clear - nuclear generation provides outstanding value for New York and needs to be maintained. I encourage the NYSPSC to move expeditiously to issue a final order in this matter.