Gov. Kathy Hochul’s announcement to build a new nuclear power plant in upstate New York is welcome news and long overdue. For years, Senate Republicans have called for expanding nuclear power as a safe, reliable, zero-emissions source of energy. Bringing back nuclear energy will add thousands of good-paying jobs back to our economy. I’m glad the governor finally admits we were right.
But this about-face is more than a policy shift. It’s an admission that Albany’s so-called “green” plans, like the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, are dangerously unrealistic and failing New Yorkers.
Not long ago, under Governor Hochul’s predecessor, Democrats shut down Indian Point, one of the state’s cleanest and most efficient nuclear plants, without a credible plan to replace its power. The result? More fossil fuels burned in older plants, higher emissions and skyrocketing costs for families and businesses.
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At the same time, Albany’s environmental elites pushed the CLCPA, sweeping mandates that look good in press releases but fail the real test: keeping the lights on at an affordable price. Our economy, job creators and working families depend on a stable, sufficient energy supply.
This nuclear reversal is a step in the right direction, but it won’t be nearly enough if Hochul continues to cling to the same failed playbook.
New York cannot survive on good intentions and half-measures. We’re already seeing businesses fleeing to states with cheaper, more reliable power, families struggling with utility bills 48% higher than the national average, and a grid that can’t handle the rising demand from new technologies and a growing population.
If we’re serious about meeting our energy needs and building an affordable, competitive state, we must adopt an all-of-the-above strategy led by the private sector, which includes more nuclear power, more natural gas, modernized pipelines, improved transmission lines, and smart investments in renewables that actually work.
New Yorkers deserve leadership that plans for the real world, not a fantasy land where slogans power our homes and businesses. Nuclear is part of the answer, but only if Albany finally admits the truth that New York needs energy solutions grounded in common sense, not politics.
Rob Ortt is the Republican Leader of the New York State Senate. He represents the 62nd Senate District.
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