Advocate praises N.Y. governor's commitment to nuclear power, clean energy

New York's James A. FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant
New York's James A. FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant | Courtesy of Entergy Corp.

Nuclear Matters Co-Chairman Judd Gregg issued a statement late last week praising New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's support of the state's nuclear power industry as part of New York's broader clean-energy efforts.

Earlier this month, Cuomo ordered the state’s Department of Public Service to design the Clean Energy Standard, which would mandate that at least 50 percent of electricity used by New York should be generated through renewable and non-carbon emitting sources by 2030.

As a part of this initiative, the department also has been directed to establish measures to prevent the premature shutdown of nuclear facilities in the state.

"At a time when nuclear energy’s benefits are at risk, this announcement is welcome news,” Gregg said. “We are hopeful that other states will follow in New York’s footsteps in recognizing that we need a serious approach to preserving existing nuclear plants in order to meet state and national clean-energy goals.”