Upstate Energy Jobs Coalition, Labor Groups Welcome Negotiations to Prevent Loss of Upstate Nuclear Plant

OSWEGO, N.Y. & SYRACUSE, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The Upstate Energy Jobs Coalition (UEJ), a group including elected representatives, business leaders, organized labor, education institutions, economic development organizations and community leaders, along with the IBEW Utility Labor Council of New York and the Rochester and Central-Northern New York Building & Construction Trades Councils, today voiced their strong support for the potential sale of the FitzPatrick nuclear plant to Exelon and called for the swift implementation of Governor Cuomo's proposed Clean Energy Standard (CES). The CES mandates that 50 percent of all electricity consumed in New York by 2030 come from clean and renewable energy sources.

The New York Public Service Commission's (PSC) July 8^th responsive proposal detailing the nuclear provision within the CES properly values upstate nuclear plants for their carbon-free electricity generation and provides New York with a means of achieving its clean energy goals. The benefits of the nuclear tier of the CES substantially outweigh any costs associated with the program and would have a net benefit of $4 billion. Furthermore, according to comments made by economic consulting firm the Brattle Group on the proposal, it will help consumers avoid greater costs that would result from the closure of these plants.

"We applaud Governor Cuomo for his foresight in calling for a CES that will help to preserve nuclear facilities like FitzPatrick, Ginna and Nine Mile Point and encourage the PSC to expeditiously adopt the staff proposal and the CES as a whole," said L. Michael Treadwell, CEO of The County of Oswego Industrial Development Agency. "This is extremely important since the implementation of the CES is a key condition for the plans being discussed to keep the FitzPatrick facility open, ultimately allowing New York to preserve all of its vital upstate nuclear energy facilities and the important economic and environmental benefits they provide. Moreover, the expected $700 million that upstate nuclear plant operators will be investing in the coming year only adds to the benefits that the upstate region will see from the continued operation of these plants."

"Keeping FitzPatrick open, along with other upstate nuclear plants, would be a true win for all New Yorkers, and would ensure that thousands of jobs are saved," said Ted Skerpon, Chairman of the New York State IBEW Utility Labor Council. "The nuclear industry provides approximately 25,000 direct and indirect jobs in New York, as well as millions of dollars of tax revenues annually, and these contributions are essential to keeping the upstate economy afloat. I urge the PSC to implement the CES as soon as possible."

"As the PSC notes, the benefits of implementing the CES far outweigh the costs, with a net benefit of $4 billion," said Gregory Lancette, President of the Central and Northern New York Building and Construction Trades Council. "This finding has been corroborated by independent analyses from the Brattle Group and the Navigant Group, all of which support the fact that there is great value in preserving these upstate nuclear plants. That's why we need to implement the CES in as quick a manner as possible."

"Not only will the timely implementation of the CES benefit the upstate economy and help us retain good jobs, it will also ensure that New York can meet its clean energy goals and remain a leader on that front," said Dave Young, President of the Rochester Building and Construction Trades Council. "As the PSC's recent proposal notes, by keeping upstate nuclear plants running, New York can avoid 15.5 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually. Governor Cuomo and the PSC should be commended for their efforts."

Upstate Energy Jobs (UEJ) is a growing coalition of more than 130 upstate New York elected representatives, business leaders, members of organized labor, education institutions, economic development organizations and community leaders who are leading efforts to raise awareness among policymakers of the importance of keeping upstate New York's nuclear energy plants open. For more information or to voice support for preserving the region's economic and environmental security, go to upstateenergyjobs.com.

The IBEW Utility Labor Council of New York represents over 15,000 IBEW Utility Workers in 18 IBEW Local Unions across New York State. They lobby and advocate for laws and regulation that ensures the safety of utility workers across New York State. The Utility Labor Council is a voice for utility workers in government, and they stride to work with New York's elected leadership to find reasonable solutions to New York's energy solvency issue. Understanding that energy technologies are constantly changing, the Utility Labor Council works to train and re-train New York's utility workforce and create and maintain good jobs. The Utility Labor Council cares about the communities in which they work and live. Learn more: http://www.utilitylaborcouncil.com/

The Central-Northern New York Building & Construction Trades Council

The Central-Northern New York Building & Construction Trades Council (CNNYBTC) represents approximately 5,000 construction workers and 17 member unions that are highly skilled in a wide array of crafts. These men and women are an intricate part of New York's workforce, our region's economy, and future economic prosperity. Learn more: http://www.cnnybtc.org/

The Rochester Building and Construction Trades Council

The Rochester Building and Construction Trades Council is an association of 18 individual trades whose mission is to support the working men and woman of our local construction industry. 16,000 members strong, our impact on the community can be seen all around us. It is in the Rochester skyline that we built and in the over $100 million annually our members bring to the local economy. We provide the best skilled workers in the region to those that want their construction project built right the first time- on time and on budget. Learn more: http://www.rochesterlabornews.com/

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