BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

MASSENA -- Governor Kathy Hochul is directing the New York Power Authority (NYPA) to develop and construct a zero-emission advanced nuclear power plant in upstate New York. 

The news comes as the governor continues to push for sustainable energy throughout the state as part of emissions legislation approved two years ago. 

“As New York State electrifies its economy, deactivates aging fossil fuel power generation and continues to attract large manufacturers that create good-paying jobs, we must embrace an energy policy of abundance that centers on energy independence and supply chain security to ensure New York controls its energy future,” Governor Hochul said. 

“This is the second time during my administration that I am calling on the New York Power Authority to lead a critical energy initiative, and just as it is doing with the expedited buildout of renewable energy and transmission, it will now safely and rapidly deploy clean, reliable nuclear power for the benefit of all New Yorkers.”

Hochul said the power generated would support a "reliable and affordable electric grid" while providing the necessary zero-emission electricity to achieve a clean energy economy. 

The move to implement a nuclear power plant comes as fossil fuel power plants are phased out, with state lawmakers continuing their push to move toward new, clean energy sources that will benefit new industrial development, while supporting building electrification and electric vehicles, state officials said. 

NYPA, in coordination with the Department of Public Service (DPS), will seek to develop at least one new nuclear energy facility with a combined capacity of no less than one gigawatt of electricity, either alone or in partnership with private entities, to support the state's electric grid and the people and businesses that rely on it.

NYPA will immediately begin evaluation of technologies, business models, and locations for this first nuclear power plant and will secure the key partnerships needed for the project. This process will include site and technology feasibility assessments as well as consideration of financing options, in coordination with the forthcoming studies included in the master plan for Responsible Advanced Nuclear Development in New York, led by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and DPS. Candidate locations will be assessed for suitability based on public safety, strength of community support, compatibility with existing infrastructure, as well as skilled labor and land availability.

While Hochul made the announcement in the morning, Assemblyman Scott Gray is planning to be in Alexandria Bay on July 8 to advocate for the facility to be placed in the North Country. 

He will hold an "Advanced Nuclear 101" event from 5-7 p.m. at 31 Holland Street, with speakers from Nuclear NY, GAIN, NYS Pipe Trades Union, Clarkson University and IBEW. 

Gray said the facility would look like "a high-tech office building," a drastic change from the large steam stacks one would expect to see. 

Gray said he's not going to let his fellow lawmakers in Albany forget about the North Country as they finalize plans to build the facility. 

According to a report from the Wall Street Journal, Oswego County is being eyed for the site at the existing Nine Mile Point nuclear complex. 

State officials say conversations are ongoing between NYPA, the Governor's Office and other stakeholders, with no definitive plans in place just yet. 

But the announcement of a new nuclear power plant was not welcomed by everyone, as Conservative Party leaders slammed Hochul's plans. 

“No state knows how to burn cash more efficiently than the State of New York under one-party Democrat leadership,” Chairman Gerard Kassar said. 

“New York families have suffered double-digit electricity rates, thanks to repeated liberal blunders over the years,” he said. 

Kassar pointed to ConEd's proposed electric rate hike, 11.4% for electric and 13.3% for gas, as a major issue for residents throughout the state. 

He said those figures would equate to each household spending $275 more per year on utilities. 

“Although we have a favorable opinion of Mrs. Hochul’s move toward investing in this smart new technology, the reality is that nuclear power in New York, that was safe, clean and efficient, was irreparably damaged by policies the Governor supported at the highest levels of government. Now taxpayers will have to shoulder billions more in costs through their monthly electric bills. It has been a historic management blunder," Kassar said. 

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