Empire Report Opinion: Paul Zuber: Nuclear Power Is the Backbone of New York’s Economic Growth

New York is laying the groundwork for the next generation of nuclear energy — and one fact is clear: we can’t build what’s next if we lose what we already have. Preserving the state’s existing nuclear fleet is not just about maintaining the status quo, it’s about protecting the foundation we need to support future growth, attract new industries, and strengthen communities.

This issue is personal to me. Members of my family worked in nuclear plants, and for many years, those jobs kept food on our table. I know firsthand how nuclear power doesn’t just generate electricity, but also economic security. These facilities are pillars of the local economy, supporting good-paying jobs, anchoring communities, and giving families like mine a pathway to opportunity. I’ve also seen the consequences when those plants shut down — jobs vanish, communities suffer, and the aftershocks are felt for years.

Today, facilities like Nine Mile Point, James A. FitzPatrick, and R.E. Ginna continue to deliver around-the-clock power to millions of New Yorkers. Their contributions go beyond electricity: they provide economic certainty at a time when costs are rising across the board, and their continued operation is critical to supporting new growth in the state.

That’s especially true as New York positions itself as a hub for advanced manufacturing. With new semiconductor projects and supply chain investments on the horizon, reliable and affordable energy has never been more important. Businesses making long-term commitments need to know the grid can support them. Preserving our nuclear fleet helps send that message while also strengthening our competitiveness for future investment.

A recent analysis by the Brattle Group drives home just how vital these plants are. Extending New York’s nuclear fleet through the ZEC program would add $38 billion to the state’s economy and support 14,400 jobs across the state. It also helps keep energy prices stable, saving ratepayers an estimated $50 billion by 2050 by reducing reliance on more expensive, volatile energy sources.

Extending the Zero-Emission Credit (ZEC) program would safeguard those economic benefits. The program helps level the playing field for nuclear plants in competitive energy markets and ensures they can continue operating safely and reliably. It’s a smart investment in New York’s long-term energy and economic future — not just for today’s grid, but for the next generation of clean energy projects to come.

I applaud the New York State Department of Public Service for recommending the extension of the ZEC program. Their leadership reflects a practical approach to energy policy: supporting resources that work, that deliver for New Yorkers, and that strengthen our economy with an all of the above energy approach.

New York’s future depends on energy that is reliable, affordable, and secure. Nuclear power delivers on all three — and it’s time we double down. That starts with protecting the plants we have now, so we can build the future New Yorkers deserve.