Carbon Free NY Coalition Applauds Governor Hochul and Public Service Commission for Continued Support of New York’s Existing Nuclear Power Plants
Approval of Zero-Emission Credit Program Safeguards Energy Affordability and Reliability, Economic Investment, and 14,400 Jobs
Albany, NY - The Carbon Free NY Coalition today applauded Governor Hochul and the New York State Public Service Commission’s approval of the Zero Emission Credit (ZEC) program, a critical program that supports the continued operation of New York’s existing nuclear power plants and protects the state’s clean energy progress.
The PSC’s decision ensures the preservation of reliable, carbon-free electricity that accounts for nearly half of New York’s zero-emission power supply, while safeguarding thousands of good-paying union jobs and strengthening local economies across the state. Since its creation, the ZEC program has helped avoid millions of tons of carbon pollution, maintain grid reliability, and keep energy affordable for families and businesses.
“Extending the ZEC program is a major win for New York’s trade workers,” said Gary LaBarbera, President, NYS Building and Construction Trades Council. “This program protects thousands of high-quality union jobs, and ensures New Yorkers continue to have access to reliable, affordable, carbon-free energy. We are grateful for Governor Hochul’s leadership and commitment to put workers first while advancing New York’s carbon-free energy goals.”
“The ZEC program keeps our nuclear plants operating, protecting thousands of family-sustaining union jobs while delivering the reliable, carbon-free energy New Yorkers depend on,” said Mario Cilento, President, New York State AFL-CIO. “From the union workforce that operates and maintains these facilities, to the unionized manufacturing workers whose employers rely on this power, the benefits ripple across our economy. In addition, tax revenue generated by these plants funds vital services provided by unionized public employees. We thank Governor Hochul and the Public Service Commission for extending this critical program.”
“Extending the zero-emission credit program is a win for workers,” said Vinny Albanese, Executive Director, New York State Laborers’ Political Action Fund. “The ZEC program protects thousands of skilled union jobs and the local tax base that supports schools, emergency services, and infrastructure. This decision keeps New York on track toward a cleaner, more reliable energy future that protects workers, communities, and the environment.”
“For New York to meet its climate commitments, we need to protect the carbon-free energy resources that are already cutting pollution today,” said Julie Tighe, President, New York League of Conservation Voters. “Thank you to Governor Hochul and the Public Service Commission for preserving the ZEC program. This will protect public health and maintain grid reliability as the state continues to scale up renewable energy.”
“The ZEC program is critical to protecting good-paying union jobs and the communities that depend on them,” said Greg Lancette, International Representative for the United Association. “We thank Governor Hochul and the Public Service Commission for recognizing that meeting our clean energy goals and supporting working families must go hand in hand."
“New York continues to lead a nuclear renaissance, and today’s move preserving the ZEC program shows the state is matching its rhetoric with action that enables its nuclear energy ambitions,” said John Carlson, Senior Northeast Regional Policy Manager, Clean Air Task Force. “The ZEC program supports more than 14,000 jobs across the state and prevents more than 16 million tons of carbon pollution each year, providing the foundation for a more affordable and cleaner grid for New Yorkers. We applaud the New York Public Service Commission for extending the ZEC program to preserve existing nuclear resources and bolster the program’s tangible economic public health benefits.”
“The upstate nuclear generating fleet is the backbone of firm and clean power that manufacturers rely on for operations,” said Randy Wolken, President & CEO, MACNY & The Manufacturers Alliance of New York. “We applaud Governor Hochul and the Public Service Commission for continuing to recognize the importance of these assets. Continued commitment to reliable energy generation will ensure future investments come to fruition for communities across upstate New York.”
“The Public Service Commission’s decision to extend the ZEC program is more than protecting our existing nuclear fleet; it’s about protecting working families and the communities we live in,” said Joe Peluso, Vice President and Assistant Business Manager, IBEW Local 97. “New York’s nuclear fleet provides thousands of good union jobs while delivering reliable, carbon-free power to our homes and businesses every day. Thank you to Governor Hochul’s Administration for supporting carbon-free energy and union workers.”
“We are encouraged to see New York re-upping the ZEC program because it recognizes the real-world value of nuclear energy for our families,” said Heather Hoff, Co-founder, Mothers for Nuclear. “These plants provide zero-emissions electricity around the clock, protecting grid reliability while reducing pollution that directly affects our children’s health. That’s something moms everywhere can support.”
“Wayne County applauds the New York State Public Service Commission’s decision to approve the continuation of the Zero Emission Credit program, and we thank Governor Hochul for her continued leadership and support of nuclear power in New York,” said Dr. Mark Humbert, Wayne County Administrator. “As the home of the R.E. Ginna Nuclear Power Plant, we uniquely understand the critical role nuclear energy plays in New York’s clean energy future. The ZEC program ensures that existing plants can continue delivering safe, reliable, affordable, carbon-free electricity at a time when demand is growing, and New York is entering a new era of economic development. Wayne County appreciates the ongoing efforts to leverage nuclear power’s zero-emission supply to keep energy affordable for New York families and businesses.”
“Governor Hochul and Chairman Christian’s leadership and forward-looking approach to the Zero Emissions Credit program ensures that New York State continues to lead the nation toward delivering 100 percent clean, reliable power around the clock,” said Hunter Dare, Head of Finance, NiCE Columbia. “This reliability is essential to meeting the state’s 2040 decarbonization mandate while also supporting transformative economic investments, including Micron’s $100 billion project in upstate New York.”
"This decision required real political courage. It's easy to chase headlines with shiny new projects. It's harder to defend the infrastructure that's already doing the heavy lifting—especially when it doesn't photograph well or fit neatly into campaign slogans,” said Eric Meyer, Executive Director, Generation Atomic. “Governor Hochul and the PSC chose pragmatism over posturing. They looked at what actually keeps the lights on and the emissions down, and they made the call that climate policy demands: protect what works. That's leadership New York needed, and it's the kind of clear-eyed decision-making every state wrestling with decarbonization should be watching closely."
“As home to three of the four nuclear power plants in New York State, Oswego County commends the PSC and Governor Hochul for their decision to extend the ZEC program,” said James Weatherup, Legislature Chairman, Oswego County. “This clearly signals the State’s wise commitment to the existing nuclear industry and the State’s recognition that expansion of the carbon-free nuclear generation fleet is critical to meet the energy and environmental needs of the future.”
“We welcome extension of the ZEC program, which is self-adjusting based on market conditions and federal policy,” said Dietmar Detering, Chair, Nuclear New York. “From the standpoint of ratepayer protection, ZECs will ensure that New Yorkers retain access to affordable, firm clean power that is available whenever needed, avoids reliance on imported electricity, and minimizes the need for costly system-level support.”
“This decision is a testament to the power of communities, advocates, and industry professionals coming together to protect New York’s clean energy future,” said John Kotek, President, Nuclear Matters. “By supporting the Zero-Emission Credit program, Governor Hochul and the Public Service Commission are listening to the voices of everyday New Yorkers who want reliable, carbon-free electricity and strong local economies. This is a big win for nuclear power, and we are grateful to the state leaders in New York for their dedication and vision.”
“The Nuclear Energy Institute thanks Governor Hochul and the New York Public Service Commission for taking decisive action to extend the Zero Emission Credit program, which will allow the state’s operating nuclear plants to continue supplying clean, reliable electricity for decades to come,” said Kristy Hartman, Senior Director of State Policy & External Affairs, Nuclear Energy Institute. “The Commission’s action reflects a practical, cost-effective approach to meeting New York’s climate and reliability objectives while protecting customers from higher costs and emissions that would result from premature plant closures. Maintaining these facilities supports thousands of skilled jobs and ensures nuclear energy remains a cornerstone of New York’s clean energy portfolio.”
“The PSC’s actions today recognize the essential role that New York’s nuclear generation will continue to play in meeting the state’s energy, climate and economic development goals,” said Ken Pokalsky, Vice President of Government Affairs, The Business Council of New York State. “All of our energy choices have a cost, and the data clearly shows that the state’s nuclear plants will continue to provide significant economic benefits, generate substantial tax revenues, and help assure reliable, affordable electric power.”
About Carbon Free NY
Carbon Free NY is a coalition of labor, business, environmental, and community leaders working together to ensure New York meets its clean energy and climate goals—while protecting workers, strengthening the economy, and keeping energy affordable. Learn more at www.carbonfreeny.com.
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