SLATER, BEEPHAN AND BRABENEC JOIN FEDERAL CALL FOR RETURN OF RELIABLE BASELOAD POWER AT INDIAN POINT

Assemblymen Matt Slater (R,C–Yorktown), A.J. Beephan (R,C-East Fishkill) and Karl Brabenec (R,C–Deerpark) joined Congressman Mike Lawler and Energy Secretary Chris Wright today at the former Indian Point Energy Center to highlight the urgent need for reliable, clean baseload power in New York as energy costs continue to rise and grid reliability concerns grow. 

The lawmakers pointed to the recent restart of the Palisades Nuclear Plant in Michigan, a once-retired facility that is being brought back online to strengthen energy reliability and reduce dependence on less stable sources of power, as an example of how existing infrastructure can revitalize a state’s energy grid. They noted that while other states are recognizing the importance of nuclear energy, New York chose to shut down Indian Point—removing a major source of reliable, carbon-free power from the grid.

“Standing here at Indian Point is a reminder of the consequences of misguided energy policy,” said Assemblyman Matt Slater. “This facility once produced reliable, zero-emission electricity for millions of New Yorkers. Instead of strengthening our energy independence, Albany shut it down, weakening our grid and contributing to higher costs for families. Our conference’s Lights On With Energy Relief (LOWER) Plan lays out a responsible path forward by restoring reliable baseload power, investing in an all-of-the-above energy strategy and delivering relief for ratepayers.”

Assemblyman A.J. Beephan said: “Today we gathered at Indian Point, a site that remains a visible reminder of how misguided policies coming out of Albany have made life more expensive for New Yorkers. We warned that closing Indian Point and passing policies like the CLCPA would drive up energy costs, and unfortunately, that prediction has become reality. Families and small businesses across our state are now facing some of the highest energy bills we’ve ever seen, with forecasts showing thousands of dollars more in costs ahead because of Albany’s one-party rule. I want to thank Congressman Lawler and Energy Secretary Wright for standing with us and helping expose the consequences of these decisions. I will always fight for a more affordable future for my residents.”

Assemblyman Karl Brabenec said: “For years, I warned that closing Indian Point would make our grid less reliable and send energy costs skyrocketing. Sadly, that’s exactly what’s happened since the plant was shut down in 2021. I applaud Congressman Mike Lawler and Energy Secretary Chris Wright for bringing attention to this issue. Reopening Indian Point should absolutely be on the table.”

With electricity prices rising sharply in recent years and the New York Independent System Operator warning of potential reliability challenges, Slater, Beephan and Brabenec said the state must reconsider policies that prematurely remove reliable generation from the grid.

“Assemblyman Brian Maher has consistently made the point that nuclear energy provides a substantially smaller land footprint than wind and solar and that it is a necessary component to any transition to a clean energy future,” said Meghan Hurlburt, chief of staff to Assemblyman Maher. “We will continue to see the affordability crisis get worse and our utility bills increase if we don’t invest in nuclear energy. Closing Indian Point was a costly mistake, and New Yorkers continue to pay the price every day. There is no easy solution to our energy crisis, but there is no affordable solution without expanding our nuclear footprint.”

“Energy policy should be grounded in reality,” Slater added. “Families and businesses need affordable power they can count on, and that means embracing solutions that work—including nuclear energy and other forms of dependable baseload generation.”