N.Y. lawmaker: Budget plan's energy tax credits might save FitzPatrick plant

New York State Sen. Patty Ritchie said this week that the state Senate allocated $100 million in renewable-energy tax credits in its budget plan, which could keep Oswego County’s FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant open.

“To say that FitzPatrick is a major part of Central New York is an understatement,” Ritchie said. “In addition to providing jobs for more than 600 people in our region, the plant also has a roughly $500 million impact on our local economy annually. By including $100 million in the Senate’s spending plan to provide support for nuclear power, we’re sending a clear message of support for FitzPatrick and its dedicated workers.”

The plant is operated by Entergy, which plans to close the plant. Tax credits for renewable energy producers already exist for solar and wind facilities, so the addition of nuclear plants would provide immediate financial support for the plant and might convince Entergy to alter its plans.

“It’s great news that support for nuclear power was able to be included in the Senate’s one house budget,” Assemblyman Will Barclay said. “…We need to continue to work together in the coming weeks to ensure the Assembly and the governor agree to this plan, which could help to save the plant, as well as the much-needed jobs it supports.”