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.

The move comes as a surprise to clean energy advocates who have been waiting for her administration to come out with cap-and-invest regulations under the 2019 climate act which mandates a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Hochul says nuclear will create 1,600 construction jobs, and 1,200 long term jobs, and will pave the way for a statewide clean energy economy. 

But Blair Horner, senior policy advisor for the New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG), warns there are enormous costs associated with nuclear power.

“You have to look at the cradle-to-grave aspects [of nuclear energy]. Where do you get the material to actually build a nuclear power plant? It’s very dirty to dig uranium out of the ground and transport it,” Horner stated.

Hochul’s proposal includes an advanced “zero-emission” facility that she hopes will help create a clean, reliable and affordable electric grid for the state.

“As New York state electrifies its economy, deactivates aging fossil fuel power generation and continues to attract large manufacturers that create good-paying jobs, we must embrace an energy policy of abundance that centers on energy independence and supply chain security to ensure New York controls its energy future,” Gov. Hochul said in a statement.

While many Republicans have praised the governor for her “all of the above” energy strategy, Justin Wilcox of the business group Upstate United is concerned that the administration is dancing around a difficult truth: That the CLCPA, the 2019 law mandating a reduction of greenhouse gasses, is no longer financially feasible.

“Bottom line is, we need to sit down and come up with a clear understanding of the overall costs,” Wilcox told Capital Tonight. “One more ad hoc policy prescription or energy policy by press release is not a substitute for a plan on how New York can provide affordable and reliable energy into the future.”

Horner is also concerned about affordability noting that a recent nuclear project in Georgia has become the most expensive nuclear plant on the planet. 

“Do the homework first before shovels dig into the ground,” Horner urged. 

According to the state’s website, the New York Power Authority “will immediately begin evaluation of technologies, business models, and locations for this nuclear power plant and will secure the key partnerships needed for the project. This process will include site and technology feasibility assessments as well as consideration of financing options.”