In the five years since the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) was signed, the state’s energy picture has dimmed in multiple ways: The closure of Indian Point has led to more CO2 emissions. There is a greater reliance on fossil fuels downstate. The price for electricity has increased. 

But with electricity needs increasing with the pending arrival of Micron, one trade union president is urging the state to build more capacity by broadening its definition of acceptable energy sources. 

Greg Lancette, president of the NYS Pipe Trades and the Central New York Building and Construction Trades Council, joined Capital Tonight to discuss why he is hoping the Public Service Commission and NYSERDA consider incorporating hydrogen, nuclear and geo-thermal in the state’s green energy transition. 

“New York can still achieve its 2030 zero-emission vision by pursuing an ‘All of the Above Energy Strategy,’ securing 8,000 megawatts (MW) of reliable, decarbonized in-state power through 4,000 MW of new nuclear and 4,000 MW of thermal energy networks,” Lancette told Capital Tonight. 

Lancette’s union is a member of the Clean Energy Jobs Coalition, which is publishing "The New York Power Surge Plan," developed in response to NYSERDA’s request for public comments on advanced nuclear technologies. It follows the PSC’s acknowledgment that New York will not meet its 2030 climate goals with solar and wind alone.