FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JULY 12, 2016
In response to a revised proposal from the New York Public Service Commission that dramatically changes the formula – and drastically adds to the price tag – for the nuclear bailout under consideration as part of the Clean Energy Standard, a group of organizations and businesses sent a request to Governor Cuomo and PSC Chairperson Zibelman, criticizing the plan and the rushed process being used to pass it. The proposal submitted Friday in essence imposes a nuclear tax on the people of the state in the amount of approximately $7.6 billion.
Signers include Alliance for a Green Economy, New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG), Physicians for Social Responsibility, and more.
“There are cheaper, fairer and less costly ways of meeting the laudable goals of economic development and carbon reduction. Under this new proposal, New York will spend more than twice as much on nuclear subsidies as it will for renewable energy under the Clean Energy Standard. This is an opportunity cost and a waste of money that New Yorkers cannot afford,” wrote the groups.
The groups also requested that the paltry 10-day comment period provided to analyze the new proposal be extended. The revisions to the program released Friday, July 8, are so extensive that there will be significant new impacts on ratepayers, utility responsibilities, and electricity markets.
The 25 groups (and growing) that have signed onto the letter so far are adding their voices to several parties in the Clean Energy Standard case who have called for an extension to the comment deadline. Entities that previously filed extension requests in the case include Multiple Intervenors (an association of 60 businesses), the City of New York, Nucor Steel Auburn, Environmental Advocates, and Citizens for Local Power.
To view the letter and all of the signers, click here: