Carbon Free NY Coalition Launches to Support Continued Operation of New York’s Existing Nuclear Power Plants

Coalition to Advocate for Extension of Zero-Emission Credit Program to Secure Safe, Reliable, Affordable, Clean Power for Years to Come

May 19, 2025 – Today, a broad coalition of labor, business leaders, economic development and environmental organizations relaunched the Carbon Free New York coalition to support the continued operation of New York’s nuclear power plants by extending the Zero-Emission Credit (ZEC) program. With the state’s ambitious climate goals at stake, the coalition is mobilizing to ensure that existing nuclear power remains a key pillar of New York’s clean energy strategy.

Nuclear power plants generate nearly half of the state’s carbon-free electricity and provide over 20% of its power supply. New York’s three existing nuclear plants, Nine Mile Point, James A. FitzPatrick, and R.E. Ginna, are crucial for maintaining grid reliability, preserving thousands of well-paying jobs, and preventing millions of tons of carbon emissions each year. Without the continued support of the ZEC program, the future of these critical energy assets—and the state’s ability to meet its Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) targets—will be in jeopardy.

The coalition will engage policymakers and industry leaders about the vital role of New York’s nuclear fleet.

“If New York is going to reach its climate goals and maintain the thousands of good paying, family-supporting unions careers green infrastructure projects can offer, we must be open to supporting all forms of clean energy. Nuclear energy represents yet another opportunity to reaffirm our climate leadership, and the launch of this coalition and the subsequent extension of the ZEC program are critical components of unlocking its full potential. Not only will the continued operation of our nuclear power plants bolster our energy economy, but it will also open up more pathways to the middle class for our hard-working tradesmen and tradeswomen and play a key role in generating reliable and carbon-free energy that will improve the lives of New Yorkers for generations to come," said Gary LaBarbera, President of the New York State Building Trades.

“The continued operation of New York’s nuclear power plants means more than just clean energy—it means protecting thousands of good-paying union jobs that support working families across the state. By extending the Zero-Emission Credit program, we’re not only investing in a cleaner future, but also securing the livelihoods of union workers who are the backbone of our energy economy,” said Vinny Albanese, Executive Director, New York State Laborers’ Political Action Fund.

“Wayne County is proud to host the R.E. Ginna Clean Energy Center—one of the longest-operating nuclear facilities in the country. As a county with deep experience in supporting clean, reliable energy, we know how critical this carbon-free power is for regional growth and grid stability. For our predominantly agricultural community, nuclear energy offers a climate solution that protects both our environment and our farmland. We strongly support the extension of the Zero-Emission Credit program,” said Dr. Mark Humbert, Interim County Administrator, Wayne County Board of Supervisors.

“Extending the Zero-Emission Credit program will ensure the continued operation of New York’s nuclear power plants. We fully support this extension because it will maintain and create family-sustaining union careers, bolster grid reliability, and help the State meet its emission reduction goals,” said New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento.

"With Central New York undergoing a period of exceptional, rapid growth, partnerships and targeted investment are essential ensuring this opportunity reaches its full potential. Oswego County is uniquely positioned to contribute significantly to the state's clean energy goals. By extending the Zero-Emission Credit program and investing in modernizing our nuclear facilities, we are securing energy independence, creating high-quality jobs and stimulating economic growth," said Sara Broadwell, executive director of the Greater Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce.

"Central New York is on a path toward profound transformation. With these new levels of success and opportunity comes new pressures to meet the pace and scale of expected development. In the case of energy, the anticipated increases in load demand necessitates an acceleration in clean energy generation and transmission. Extending the Zero-Emission Credit program is critical to ensuring that we can meet the energy needs of our future and reliably support the business development and population growth we expect in the years to come,” said Robert Simpson, President of CenterState CEO.

“New York’s nuclear plants currently provide nearly 50% of the state’s carbon-free electricity. We simply cannot afford to lose that zero-emission energy at a time when we are racing to meet our climate goals. Extending the Zero-Emission Credit program is essential to maintaining our current clean energy resources, protecting public health, and keeping emissions down,” said Julie Tighe, President of the New York League of Conservation Voters.

“As the host community for three of the state’s four commercial nuclear power generators, Oswego County fully supports the efforts of Carbon Free NY and the renewal of the ZEC program. Nuclear energy is an essential part of New York’s clean energy future. By extending the ZEC program, we can maintain a reliable, carbon-free power supply while protecting over 1,700 jobs and keeping energy costs stable for consumers,” said Oswego County Legislature Chairman James Weatherup.

“Our nuclear plants are critical economic engines for our communities, supporting thousands of high-quality jobs and driving local investment. Extending the Zero-Emission Credit program is essential to preserve the careers, stability, and future of workers and families across the region who depend on these facilities. Reliable, carbon-free power is also a key factor in attracting new businesses and economic opportunities across upstate New York,” said Austin Wheelock, CEO of the County of Oswego Industrial Development Agency and Upstate Energy Jobs member.

“Constellation is proud to contribute nearly half of New York’s carbon-free electricity through the safe, reliable operation of our nuclear facilities. Extending the Zero-Emission Credit program ensures we can continue delivering for New Yorkers while supporting local jobs and the economy, strengthening the grid, and helping New York meet its ambitious clean energy targets,” said Mason Emnett, Senior Vice President of Public Policy, Constellation.

“As a regional education provider dedicated to workforce development and community growth, CiTi BOCES understands the vital connection between clean energy infrastructure and economic opportunity. The continued operation of New York’s nuclear power plants—and the extension of the Zero-Emission Credit program—not only supports our state’s ambitious climate goals but also preserves high-quality jobs and creates pathways for future careers in energy, engineering, and environmental science. We are proud to stand with the Carbon Free NY Coalition in ensuring a sustainable and economically vibrant future for our students, families, and communities,” said Brian Heffron, Administrator of Workforce Development & Community Relations, CiTi BOCES.

"The advanced nuclear power plants of tomorrow will stand on the shoulders of today's reactor fleet. ZECs are an investment in New York's future,” said Dietmar Detering, Chair of Nuclear New York.

"New York has the opportunity to sustain its climate leadership by renewing the ZEC program, which will safeguard substantial emission-free power and ensure long-term economic prosperity,” said Tea Törmänen, Head of Global Development at WePlanet International.

"Per watt-hour, the most cost-effective means of securing reliable, carbon-free energy is through the continued operation of existing nuclear power plants. That makes New York's ZEC program a great deal for the climate, ratepayers, and economy,” said Keith Schue, spokesperson for New York Energy & Climate Advocates.

"As a New York-based nuclear fuel recycling company, we wholeheartedly support extending the ZEC program to ensure a prosperous and healthy future for all New Yorkers. Expanding nuclear power in the State will enable energy-intensive industries to join the thriving ecosystem we are building, and provide even more local economic opportunities,” said Carl Perez, CEO of EXODYS ENERGY.

“NEI is proud to support the Carbon Free New York coalition and efforts to renew New York’s zero-emission credit (ZEC) program. The program has benefited New Yorkers by ensuring clean, reliable energy from the state’s nuclear reactors are operating 24/7 365 days a year. The ZEC program also preserves the more than 25,000 direct and indirect jobs supported by the nuclear fleet. States across the country are acting to incentivize nuclear generation to reduce emissions, fuel state economies, and provide consumers with predictable energy costs,” said Maria Korsnick, President and CEO, Nuclear Energy Institute.

About Carbon Free NY
Carbon Free NY is a coalition of business, labor, environmental and economic development organizations that support the continued operation of New York’s three nuclear power reactors and the zero-emissions credit program.

Media Contact:
Katy Zielinski | katy@moxiestrategies.com