For decades, New Yorkers have depended on our upstate nuclear plants — Nine Mile Point Nuclear Generating Station, Ginna Nuclear Generating Station, and FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant — as sources of safe, clean, and reliable energy.

Nuclear energy is the state’s largest source of clean energy because it emits no air pollution, including CO2, NOx, SO2, mercury, particulate matter, or ozone. The three plants in upstate New York avoid 16 million tons of carbon emissions annually. That’s the equivalent of keeping over 3 million cars off the road or preventing the burning of over 1.8 billion gallons of gasoline, each and every year.

Furthermore, these plants are economic powerhouses. They support 24,000 direct and indirect jobs, pay nearly $145 million a year in state and local taxes, and contribute over $3 billion annually to the state’s economy. Losing any one of these plants would have devastating impacts on our state’s economy, environment and the reliability of our electric grid.

That is why we commend Governor Cuomo and the New York Public Service Commission for including upstate nuclear in the proposed Clean Energy Standard and his continued commitment towards a solution for the Fitzpatrick facility to remain in operation. Preserving our upstate nuclear plants is a proven cost-effective solution for achieving New York’s clean energy goals.

We thank Governor Cuomo for recognizing the integral role of these plants to the state’s economy and environment and urge the adoption of the Clean Energy Standard immediately.

Your signature will demonstrate your support for the proposed New York Clean Energy Standard and our commitment to protecting upstate jobs and the New York State environment.