Nuclear energy plants are the country’s most prolific producers of carbon-free energy. In fact, New York’s six nuclear reactors generate 33% of the state’s electricity while emitting no greenhouse gases. So no meaningful conversation about New York’s myriad energy sources would be complete without a discussion of the benefits that existing nuclear energy plants bring to the Empire State.
Besides providing about 1/3 of all power to the state, nuclear energy produces 61% of New York’s carbon‐free electricity. From Buffalo to Brooklyn, nuclear energy plants prevent the emission of tens of thousands of tons of air pollutants each year. In fact, the emission of more than 22 million metric tons of carbon dioxide is prevented annually by New York’s nuclear energy generation – that equals what would be released in a year by more than 4 million cars.
In addition, New York’s nuclear energy plants bring abundant jobs and economic value to the state. Nuclear facilities in the state employ more than 3,440 highly skilled workers with an annual payroll of $274 million. And each year, the nuclear energy industry purchases more than 463 million dollars worth of materials, services and fuel from more than 1,600 New York companies.
As seen in recent public forums, federal regulators and policymakers increasingly recognize nuclear energy’s contributions to meeting the nation’s growing electricity demand – and nuclear’s role in helping states reduce greenhouse-gas emissions. New York energy consumers, voters, lawmakers and other stakeholders should recognize and value nuclear energy for continuing to provide carbon-free power to homes and businesses, and helping keep the lights on for the city that never sleeps.
