Opinion: Build without fear

Gov. Kathy Hochul’s recent announcement of a new state effort to develop a new nuclear power plant in upstate New York marked a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to meet the goals laid out by the state’s aggressive plan to curb greenhouse gases and combat climate change. Through this effort, we’ll create union careers, lower our carbon output and improve our environment. But it cannot stop here.

While it is an extremely important component, construction of nuclear generation is only part of the equation to transition our power grids, especially downstate in New York City. There are further steps we must take to ensure this shift in energy dependence is successful.

In tandem with the expansion of our nuclear capabilities, we must invest in fortifying and revamping our grid to meet the demands of our increased use of clean energy and move away from fossil fuels. Sustainable alternatives will be effective only if our power infrastructure is set up appropriately to support them.

Luckily, there is already a plan on the table that outlines smart investment in our energy infrastructure, while also creating thousands of family-sustaining union careers for our hardworking tradesmen and tradeswomen that will generate important economic stimulus for local communities. Now, we must take the necessary steps to get the process going.

This current proposal before the Public Service Commission (PSC) would make the New York Power Authority Clean Path Transmission Project a Priority Transmission Project. Clean Path is an underground, 175-mile long High-Voltage Direct Current line that will bring renewable energy from upstate to the downstate region, increasing grid reliability and lowering costs for ratepayers.  Making the project a Priority Transmission Project will allow it to move forward on an expedited timeline, coming online by 2029.  

In the short term, Clean Path will boost our economy by putting union construction workers to work in good paying roles with good benefits that will allow them and their families to pursue the middle class. In the longer term, the entire state will benefit, saving taxpayers more than $6 billion over the first 20-plus years of the project.  

It's easy to take grid reliability for granted, but the New York Independent System Operator (NYSIO) is sounding the alarm. We have a limited amount of time to increase the energy supply in the face of rapidly rising demand, with NYISO estimating that by 2033, demand for energy will exceed supply, a fact that will skyrocket costs and could lead to roving blackouts. New York City remains at an extremely elevated risk for emergencies, as observed by NYISO’s 2021-2030 Comprehensive Reliability Plan.

Given all these factors, it’s imperative that the PSC makes Clean Path a Priority Transmission Project, so that New York can take the steps it needs today to avoid a crisis tomorrow.  

It is also clear that New Yorkers support the state taking action to eliminate carbon pollution. According to Siena, six-in-ten (including 71% of registered independents) support the state’s environmental goals to reach zero carbon emissions in the electricity sector by 2040 and two-thirds of respondents agree that the transition to renewable energy sources will be an economic development success.

The Siena poll found that 80% agree with the dual goals of reducing energy costs and protecting the environment. Clean Path will do both.  

Hochul can capitalize on this support by continuing to champion smart energy infrastructure investment, like Clean Path, that provides working people with middle class careers, makes utility bills more affordable and helps us to reach our goal of a more reliable and sustainable grid.

With the governor’s framework for nuclear expansion now at play, taking the steps necessary to kickstart Clean Path must be a priority. And on top of the improvements it will bring to the environment and our energy infrastructure, it will also better the lives of countless New Yorkers by creating viable union careers, bolstering the middle class, generating economic stimulus and lowering overall energy costs. This new investment in fortifying our power grid is a key step forward in establishing a successful green economy.