Congressman McHugh Letter to Governor Spitzer In Support of New Nuclear Generation

June 20, 2007
Honorable Eliot Spitzer
Governor, New York State
State Capitol
Albany, New York 12224

Dear Governor Spitzer:

I have had an opportunity to read an April 19 Reuters news article titled, "N.Y. Aims to Lead Nation in Clean-Energy Policy," wherein you remarked, "there is simply no tolerance in New York State for additional nuclear plants." I hope, sir, that this quote was simply taken out of context or otherwise in error, as such a narrow approach to clean energy surely does not accurately take into account the realities of America's energy needs and efficiency of nuclear power as a source of safe, reliable and environmentally responsible power.

As you may know, the 23rd Congressional District of New York, which I have the honor of representing, is home to three nuclear power plants, including Nine Mile Point and Fitzpatrick in Oswego County. Indeed, this region is so supportive of nuclear power that local officials are seeking the construction of a fourth plant. I can state that part of this groundswell of support is a recognition that nuclear power has the potential to be an extremely important component of our nation's energy portfolio. At a time when the U.S. — including New York State — is seeking to address global climate change, your remarks would appear to severely limit our options.

During the process of developing your administration's clean-energy plan, I am sure the fact that nuclear power is the only carbon-free baseload generation that is currently reliable, available, and affordable was thoroughly reviewed. In addition, with new coal-fired power plants under increasing attack nationwide and with natural gas prices rising, nuclear power's part of any global climate change solution becomes more readily apparent. This sentiment was echoed recently by the United Nation's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which stated "Nuclear power must play a role in combination with other sources like renewable energy if we are going to make a significant impact in reducing emissions in the energy sector."

Nuclear energy is a dependable provider of electricity for the United States and the world, in part because of the efficient sizing of plants, their long periods of operation, and the expertise with which they are run. Unlike some other sources, nuclear energy is not subject to unreliable weather or climate conditions, cost fluctuations, or dependence on foreign suppliers. In fact, nuclear energy is a strong domestic as well as international industry, with extensive fuel supply sources.

Today, nuclear power accounts for approximately 20% of our nation's electrical supply. And, with energy demand expected to increase by 40% in the next 30 years according to the Energy Industry Association (EIA), the need for new nuclear plants would seem evident. For example, the United States will require approximately 50,000 megawatts of new nuclear generation by 2030 just to maintain the 20% share that nuclear currently contributes to our nation's electricity sector.

Governor Spitzer, given all of the above, I respectfully ask that you reconsider your previously stated view. I hope you can ultimately agree nuclear power holds much promise to significantly assist our state and nation's efforts to develop cleaner sources of energy while lessening our dependence on foreign oil.

With best wishes, I am

Sincerely yours,
John M. McHugh
Member of Congress

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