In response to New York’s call for new nuclear development to help meet growing energy demand, Operation Oswego County, Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay, State Senator Christopher Ryan, Oswego County and others hosted a forum Feb. 6 at Cayuga Community College’s Fulton Campus.
Gov. Kathy Hochul instructed the New York Power Authority to develop at least one gigawatt of advanced nuclear energy capacity. As part of her 2026 State of the State address, Hochul increased that to five gigawatts.
Oswego County submitted its formal interest to NYPA in December. Constellation Energy also responded to a separate Developers/Vendors RFI. The forum addressed this significant economic development opportunity and coalesced support for new nuclear energy from community members, businesses, trades, labor and local
elected officials.
“Too often, nuclear energy is sidelined by outdated perceptions. Today’s discussion helped dispel long-standing myths. No community is better prepared to help New York meet its growing energy demand than Oswego County.,” said Barclay.
“Constellation’s three upstate nuclear facilities deliver nearly half of the state’s emissions-free power, support 14,400 local jobs and deliver millions in local tax revenue,” said Rich Barlette, Director, State Government Affairs, Constellation.”
“Due to its many physical advantages and long history of local community support for nuclear generation, the Nine Mile Point site is the most viable location to support new advanced nuclear generation in New York State,” said Austin Wheelock, Executive Director of Operation Oswego County.”
“Oswego County has a proven history of leadership in clean energy, and this forum underscored how well positioned our region is to help shape the future of nuclear power,” said Robert Simpson, president and CEO at CenterState CEO. “This region has a critical role to play in advancing clean energy development as we look to meet increasing energy demand driven by semiconductors and advanced manufacturing.”
“With 60 years of experience as a nuclear host community, Oswego County is ready for the addition of new nuclear facilities,” said Philip Church, County Administrator. “We already have a qualified nuclear workforce, skilled trades workers, safety infrastructure, nearby electricity demand, a supportive community. Nine Mile Point has abundant land available for nuclear construction.”
