Syracuse Post-Standard: Opinion: Extend nuclear credits to support good-paying, union jobs
New York’s nuclear fleet is more than just a power source — it’s the backbone of our energy future and a lifeline for working families across the state. These plants generate nearly half of the state’s carbon-free electricity, but they do far more than just power our homes and businesses. They fuel thousands of good-paying, union jobs that support families, strengthen local economies, and keep communities stable. If we want to keep these benefits, New York must act to extend the Zero-Emission Credit (ZEC) program and protect both our workers and the state’s energy future.
Our members are the ones who build, maintain and operate the infrastructure that powers New York. Nuclear power has been a critical part of this grid for decades, providing not only reliable energy, but also union jobs with health care, retirement benefits and wages that allow our members to support their families. These jobs are irreplaceable in the communities where these plants operate. Without the ZEC program, we risk losing these plants, and with them, the jobs that so many families depend on.
The ZEC program levels the playing field for nuclear plants by ensuring they’re compensated for their role in providing clean, reliable energy. And if our nuclear fleet is forced to shut down, we lose jobs, communities lose tax revenue, local businesses suffer, and the economic stability of entire regions is put at risk. We’ve seen it happen before; when these plants shut down, it’s not just the workers who are hit hard. It’s everyone.
As New York invests in its energy future, an all-of-the-above energy strategy will ensure that our state’s power grid is reliable, affordable and secure. Nuclear power is key to that future. It’s the energy that keeps our lights on and our economy moving, while providing union workers with stable, long-term jobs that make New York a place where people can build careers and raise families.
A recent report by the Brattle Group shows that extending the ZEC program would add $38 billion to the state economy and support 14,400 jobs. They would also save ratepayers an estimated $50 billion by 2050 by cutting reliance on more expensive and volatile energy sources. At a time when energy affordability is top of mind for our members, these are numbers we can’t afford to ignore.
Extending the ZEC program is critical to continuing the success these plants have brought to our economy and our communities. IBEW Local 97 stands in solidarity with fellow labor unions, environmental advocates and community leaders in supporting this program. It’s not just an investment in nuclear energy — it’s an investment in our workers, our families, and New York’s clean energy future.
New York’s nuclear fleet is the cornerstone of our energy grid and a pillar of our economy. We must protect it for the workers who rely on it and for the future of this state.
Joe Peluso
Vice President
IBEW Local 97