Previously Published in The Messenger
One of President Donald Trump’s (R-FL) largest aspects of his campaign platform, as it was in all three of his runs, is to increase American energy production and restore American energy independence.
New York State, as a surprise to some, does have quite a seat at the table regarding the national energy conversation, not only due to the resources and capabilities therein, but also due to its position as a leader in green and renewable energy initiatives.
Senator Mario Mattera (R-St. James), Ranking Member of the Energy and Telecommunications Committee, penned a letter, along with several other New York State Senators, to Washington, D.C., addressed to President Trump and David A. Wright, Chairman of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
“We write to express our appreciation for your continued focus on lowering energy prices across the country, particularly in New York State,” the letter opens.
“As you are aware, in 2019, New York Democrats passed their version of the Green New Deal, which set unrealistic greenhouse gas emission reduction mandates through the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). While intended to reduce emissions, this law has led to higher energy prices for both New York residents and businesses.”
The letter outlines that the CLCPA is “only one of the several energy decisions made by New York Democrats that have negative consequences.” One such ramification enclosed in the letter includes the closure of the Indian Point Energy Center in Buchanan, Westchester County.
The center was a nuclear power plant that “provided clean, reliable energy to New York City,” reads the letter. Mattera and company also include the blocking of natural gas pipelines in New York State, proposed Cap-and-Invest carbon taxes, which “harm American manufacturing businesses”, electric vehicle mandates, and electric building requirements, which will “drive up construction costs, all as negative consequences of the Democrat-backed CLCPA.
The letter references Comptroller Tom DiNapoli’s (D-Great Neck Plaza) report, Renewable Energy in New York State, which cited analysis by the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO). The NYISO found that to meet the 2030 renewable electricity goal set by the State, the State would need to “triple its 2022 renewable capacity of roughly 6.5 gigawatts by adding 20 gigawatts over the next eight years.”
“For context,” the letter provides, “the State added just 12.9 gigawatts of total electric generation – both fossil fuel and renewable resources – over the last twenty years.”
The Senators find that in addition to “contributing little” to the overall reduction of New York’s carbon footprint, the “poorly designed policies” have resulted in New York boasting the “seventh-highest residential electricity rates in the country” at 25.31 cents per kilowatthour (kWh), which is about 50% higher than the national average of 15.95 cents per kWh. For comparison, the neighboring state of Pennsylvania clocks in at 17.58 cents per kWh.
The letter encloses several initiatives that Mattera and several Senators hope that the Trump Administration entertains.
Pipeline Construction
“We urge you to continue advocating for Governor Kathy Hochul to revive the Constitution Pipeline, which would provide essential natural gas supply to areas of New York,” says the letter.
The additional natural gas supply will, according to the caucus, “alleviate historically high utility costs in New York State, New York City, and all of New England.” The Senators also take issue with the lax natural gas production, despite New York State’s situation next to one of the largest natural gas reserves in the country. The Senators take issue with the fact that trucks have been hauling liquefied natural gas across the state, which they view as “both inefficient and environmentally harmful.”
The proposal of the Constitution Pipeline makes for a start in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, moving northeast through the New York counties of Broome, Chenango, Delaware, and Schoharie, before reaching its terminus just south of Schenectady County, just outside of Albany.
Nuclear Energy
Mattera and company also urge the federal administration to “explore the possibility” of reopening Indian Point or utilizing the site for small modular nuclear reactors. Small modular reactors operate similarly to their much larger counterparts, but produce a comparatively smaller output in exchange for relatively easier shipping and construction. The small reactors are hailed for their flexibility in terms of site selections and generation capacity.
“The closure of Indian Point in 2021, which provided 80% of New York City’s carbon-free electricity, led to increased dependence on fossil fuels,” reads the letter. “The share of fossil fuel-based power generation in the downstate grid increased from 68% in 2019 to 94% in 2023. Greenhouse gas emissions from electricity generation in the NYC Metro region, previously served by Indian Point, have increased by over 40%.”
The Senators add that reopening a decommissioned nuclear plant is not unprecedented, with the Three Mile Island plant set to open in 2028, which is estimated to create 3,400 jobs in Pennsylvania. The Palisades Nuclear Generating Station in Michigan, which closed in 2022, is set to reopen later this year, with an estimated creation of 600 jobs.
“Our conference believes nuclear energy will play a critical role in New York’s energy future. Advancements in small modular reactors suggest that nuclear technology can provide a sustainable, affordable energy source. We hope to work with your administration to expedite these projects and bring them online,” reads the letter.
Mattera and the Senators are pushing for a re-piqued interest in nuclear energy, which, after many pitfalls and failures of decades passed, made the country and some parts of the world hesitant to accept nuclear energy. It’s also contributed to an interesting focal point of the energy conversation as it pertains to political lines, wherein self-described liberals campaign fastidiously for renewable energy and self-described conservatives pump the brakes while more viable solutions emerge. Many rank-and-file Republicans, Democrats, and Independents are now calling for nuclear energy to be explored as a way to ease the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
“We believe that reopening Indian Point, fast-tracking new nuclear projects, reviving the Constitution Pipeline, and repealing the unrealistic mandates of the CLCPA will position New York on a path toward energy abundance. This will result in lower energy costs for ratepayers and a more reliable energy grid.
“Your administration has demonstrated a strong commitment to common-sense policies that benefit the American people, and we stand ready to assist in any way we can to help achieve this important mission.
“Thank you for your attention to these critical issues,” the letter closes.
In addition to Mattera, eighteen Senators – all Republicans – signed on. From Suffolk County, Senators Anthony Palumbo (R-New Suffolk), Dean Murray (R-East Patchogue), and Alexis Weik (R-Sayville) signed the letter. From Nassau County, assenting Senators are Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick (R-Malverne), Jack Martins (R-Great Neck), and Steve Rhoads (R-Bellmore).
Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt (R-North Tonawanda) also signed the letter.