ALBANY, New York — State Sen. Kevin Parker said he plans to back a moratorium on new nuclear energy, a priority measure for anti-nuclear environmental advocates as Gov. Kathy Hochul embraces the technology.
“We’re going to put the bill in and hope we can spark a healthy debate,” Parker said. “I’m concerned about the safety and health of surrounding communities. I’m concerned about the cost.”
Why it matters: Hochul has bet big on nuclear energy as a solution to New York’s long-term energy needs, with her administration highlighting its potential role as a reliable, baseload source of electricity. She directed the state’s power authority to build 1 gigawatt of new nuclear power last year and gave the state’s utility regulator responsibility for 4 more gigawatts this year.
But environmentalists who oppose nuclear have raised concerns about the governor’s plans, including questions about her administration’s cost analysis. It’s not yet clear how the new reactors would be financed or even what size or what technology they would use.
