Nuclear Matters this week praised the New York Public Service Commission’s decision to approve the Clean Energy Standard (CES), which calls for measures to support the development of clean-energy generation methods and nurture business environments that support clean power plants in the state.
Nuclear Matters said nuclear energy is receiving a level of support from this plan that is higher than any plan the organization has seen to date. Despite this, Nuclear Matters said all nuclear plants throughout the state are in need of state support, not just those upstate.
Nuclear reactors in New York make up approximately 30 percent of energy generation and approximately 60 percent of the state’s low-carbon generation fleet.
“New York is a leader in working toward a clean-energy future, and we applaud the state’s recognition to include some of its existing nuclear energy plants in its carbon-cutting plan,” a statement from Nuclear Matters said. “This reinforces the fact that in order to make meaningful carbon reductions, nuclear energy must be a part of the mix. In counting the power generated by New York’s upstate nuclear energy plants in its CES, New York is properly valuing these assets for their significant role in producing carbon-free energy. We are also pleased with the state’s decision to prevent the premature retirement of clean, safe and reliable nuclear plants through the creation of new market incentives.”
