Write a commentToday, the Upstate Energy Jobs Coalition (UEJ), a group representing hundreds of business, education and labor leaders throughout upstate and central New York, released the following statement in response to the recent announcement that the Exelon Corporation has reached an agreement with the Entergy Corporation which ensures the continued operation of the FitzPatrick nuclear power station.
Please see the statement below from L. Michael Treadwell, CEO of the County of Oswego Industrial Development Agency and UEJ member:
“The recent news that FitzPatrick nuclear power plant will be saved is a testament to the hard work that this community, the Governor, the state of New York and many others have undergone to raise awareness of the critical need to save this plant. FitzPatrick’s role as a vital economic engine for our region cannot be denied. It supplies 615 jobs, contributes $500 million per year in regional economic activity and brings in $17.3 million in annual property taxes. In addition, FitzPatrick provides opportunities for 1,000 building tradesmen and skilled workers who are involved in the refueling and maintenance of the facility.
We would not be able to celebrate the news today without the passage of the Clean Energy Standard (CES), which ensures that upstate nuclear plants are properly valued for their carbon-free power. We thank Governor Cuomo and the New York Public Service Commission (PSC) for making the economic health of the upstate region a top priority and listening to the thousands that have voiced their support for the CES and upstate nuclear plants. Under this historic measure that paved the way for today’s news, New York’s upstate nuclear plants will continue to produce tremendous benefits and lead the way for a cleaner energy future.
It is also worth noting that over the long-term, the CES will secure the benefits of all upstate nuclear plants for 12 years, which results in economic benefits of over $35 billion and consumer savings of over $20 billion.”
About Upstate Energy Jobs Coalition
Upstate Energy Jobs (UEJ) is a growing coalition of more than 130 upstate New York elected representatives, business leaders, members of organized labor, education institutions, economic development organizations and community leaders who are leading efforts to raise awareness among policymakers of the importance of keeping upstate New York’s nuclear energy plants open. For more information or to voice support for preserving the region’s economic and environmental security, go to upstateenergyjobs.com.
