A proposed nuclear power project has put Schuyler County at the center of a growing debate over energy, economic development, and public health.
The New York Power Authority said Wednesday that Schuyler County is one of eight upstate communities that signaled interest in hosting a proposed 1-gigawatt nuclear facility, part of a statewide push ordered by Gov. Kathy Hochul to expand advanced nuclear energy.
County says large plant isn’t realistic
County leaders say that interest should not be mistaken for a bid to host a massive nuclear plant.
Judy McKinney Cherry, executive director of the Schuyler County Partnership for Economic Development, said the county responded to NYPA’s request to stay involved in future conversations, not because it expects a large facility to be built locally.
“There is not one place in Schuyler County that meets the minimum requirements for a 1 gigawatt facility,” McKinney Cherry said. “It’s not happening.”
She said the county wants to remain at the table as nuclear technology evolves, particularly smaller, mobile, and safer systems that could one day provide cheaper energy and support economic growth.
“If you’re not at the table, you can’t play,” she said, adding that the county wants the state to know it is open for business.
Residents plan protest ahead of meeting
Despite those assurances, some residents and advocacy groups say any nuclear proposal is a step too far.
Opponents plan to rally Monday from 6 to 6:30 p.m. outside the Schuyler County Legislature building at 105 Ninth Street in Watkins Glen. Organizers say they will attend the legislature meeting afterward to voice their concerns.
The protest targets the county’s request that the New York Power Authority consider Schuyler County for a nuclear facility of any size.
Health, cost, and economic concerns raised
Critics argue nuclear power carries high financial and public health risks and could harm the local economy.
“Recent studies point to the costly construction, slow start up, and increased risk of cancer associated with nuclear power plants as reasons to reject the siting of a nuclear power plant anywhere in New York State,” said Yvonne Taylor, vice president of Seneca Lake Guardian.
Taylor called the county’s request “short-sighted and irresponsible” and said residents from Schuyler County and surrounding areas plan to urge leaders to invest in renewable energy instead.
Debate likely to continue
Organizers say the rally is open to the public and meant to send a clear message before the legislature meeting begins.
With county officials emphasizing long-term planning and opponents calling for an outright rejection of nuclear power, the issue appears poised to remain a flashpoint in local energy and economic discussions.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].