As we reported last week, Gov. Kathy Hochul is directing the New York Power Authority to build a zero-emission nuclear power plant somewhere in upstate New York, where the state’s three other nuclear power plants reside.

While the move came as an unwelcome surprise to clean energy advocates who are still waiting for the administration to come out with cap-and-invest regulations, proponents argue that nuclear is carbon free and will pave the way for 1,200 new well-paying jobs. 

One of those proponents joined Capital Tonight. Eric Dawson is co-founder of Nuclear NY, an independent, nonpartisan and nonprofit advocacy group working toward a decarbonized future.