Indian Point Deal Reflects Cuomo Choice of a “Some Nukes” Approach on Energy

In our binary world of energy discourse, nuance of a sort may be possible.

If events unfold as outlined in The New York Times, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s deal with Entergy, Riverkeeper and others on shutting down Indian Point Energy Center’s reactors by 2021 demonstrates that nuance — attuned to local politics and issues — is possible.

Cuomo chose to avoid California’s #NoNukes path and pursue a #SomeNukes future, finding a way to sustain upstate nuclear plants, keeping the state’s biggest source of low-greenhouse-gas electricity and a job hub in a struggling region. That context was explored awhile back by Chris Mooney in the Washington Post here.

There are subplots, of course, with natural gas inevitably playing a role in filling the generation gap. Mike Shellenberger of Environmental Progress notes how this relates to some of Cuomo’s political contributors and aides’ past dealings with energy companies.

Dry cask storage for used fuel rods visible at Indian Point — cluster of greenish cylinders upper right. (Andrew Revkin)

There’s more regional context from the Journal News.

Here’s some past coverage and analysis from me:

Indian Point's Tritium Problem and the N.R.C.'s Regulatory Problem

Indian Point and Earth Day