Do Oswego County neighbors want another nuclear plant? County prepares their pitch to NYS
SCRIBA, N.Y. — For the first time in a generation, a new nuclear facility is set to be built in upstate New York. Governor Kathy Hochul has directed the state power authority to develop and construct a zero-emission advanced nuclear power plant. Oswego County is one of the potential sites under consideration next to the current three nuclear sites.
The news has sparked mixed reactions among residents. Creg Ivison, an Oswego County neighbor, expressed enthusiasm for the project. “Great opportunity for Oswego County,” he said. “It provides a lot of great jobs. We have nuclear here, so we are not scared of nuclear, and we got spots for it.”
Conversely, Mary Alice LaQuay, another local resident, voiced her concerns. “I think we have enough plants,” she said. “I worry about the safety of it too. I mean, we have done well with our three, maybe they can move it somewhere else.”
Jim Weatherup, chairman of the Oswego County Legislature, is honored that the county is being considered for the new plant. He believes the project, alongside Micron’s future semiconductor manufacturing facility in nearby Clay, could lead to significant economic growth for the area. “Well, we got the three there now,” Weatherup said. “There’s 1,400 and some odd acres there available to go and basically shovel ready. The infrastructure is there as far as water, sewer, things of that nature. Anybody else would have to catch up to Oswego County in that regard.”
Wherever this plant ends up, it will be the first nuclear project in New York since construction began in 19-75 on Nine Mile Unit Two in Oswego County. neighbors in Oswego County are hoping that this new plant benefits those who live in the area.
Elaine Updyke, a Parish neighbor, hopes the new plant will lead to lower electricity bills. “Well, I hope it means that our electric service or a bill would go down,” she said. “Because all we hear now is that it’s getting higher.”
John Roberts Janack, another Oswego County resident, supports the idea of additional energy sources. “It’s a good idea to have extra energy,” he said. “We need it. Like with all the electric stuff coming out, like they want these electric cars and all that stuff, but we need to have all kinds of energy.”
Weatherup and State Assemblyman Will Barclay have begun preparing a presentation to the New York State Power Authority to advocate for the plant’s location in Oswego County. They plan to continue expressing their support until a final decision is made.