New York State Democrats are leading the fight for a cleaner more sustainable New York..
On March 5th, Governor Spitzer announced his 5 point plan to make New York a leader on energy conservation and called for the closure of the Indian Point nuclear power plant. “Our energy plan should be focused on increasing the supply of electrical generating capacity and expanding our transmission and distribution network while pursuing the following environmentally sound strategies
Improving energy efficiency and energy conservation;
Re-powering existing coal and oil power plants to run on cleaner burning fuels;
Building a new generation of cleaner power plants;
Upgrading the state's transmission system; and
Prioritizing investment in promoting clean renewable energy sources, such as solar power, wind power, hydro and fuel cells so that we can meet our state's energy needs by significantly expanding renewables."
"I cannot address energy without describing another environmental imperative - the need to close the Indian Point nuclear power plant.
Of course this can only happen when we are certain that there is adequate replacement power - - since we cannot simply take 2,000 megawatts out of the grid. That it is why it is essential for us to renew the Article X siting law that expedites environmental review of power plant proposals while also dramatically improving our energy efficiency and conservation performance.
The 40-year licenses for the two nuclear reactors at Indian Point expire in 2013 and 2015. It is imperative that the nuclear regulatory commission not renew these licenses, and I will work to ensure they do not.
This is all the more important given the recent revelation that radioactive contaminants are leaching into the Hudson River from the Indian Point site." (http://nyc.theoildrum.com/story/2006/5/25/1101/77783)
In the State Senate, Senate Democrats are pushing the "Green Apple Initiative.†– comprehensive legislation that seeks to tackle air pollution, clean up brownfields, halt suburban sprawl and preserve the wetlands that keep our drinking water and waterways safe for recreational use.
"We're here today – Senators representing a wide swath of our state –to take the lead in protecting our environment," Senator Smith said. "We have come up with a strong set of proposals to help safeguard New York's environment. Long after all of us have left office, the protections in this legislation will live on for the benefit of our children and grandchildren." (http://www.nyssenate30.com/press_archive_story.asp?id=1210)
