Support, Opposition to NY Plan to Subsidize Nuclear Power Plants Strong in the Hudson Valley

The Public Service Commission has finalized the agenda for its Monday meeting — and top on the list is a Proceeding on Motion of the Commission to Implement a Large-Scale Renewable Program and a Clean Energy Standard for New York state.

The controversial concept has drawn passionate support and opposition locally.

It is meant to move the state along its road to energy independence from fossil fuels. The plan is to cut carbon emissions by 40 percent and expand renewable power to account for 50 percent of electricity generation by 2030. As part of that work, it would subsidize struggling nuclear power plants in upstate New York, providing a zero emissions credit to plants that are on the verge of closing.

SEE: Op Ed: Energy Coalition Urges Swift PSC Enactment of Clean Energy Standard

Opponents, on the other hand, consider it a flawed plan, costly to taxpayers, being hastily pushed through the PSC to give little time for study or comment.

SEE: Jaffee Opposes NY Nuclear Plant Subsidy Plan

The session begins at 10:30 a.m., Aug. 1, in the 19th Floor Board Room of the PSC offices at Three Empire State Plaza in Albany.

The meeting will be broadcast on the Internet. Click here to watch.