Mandates a study of energy-efficient and sustainable forms of power to replace power generated by Indian Point units 2 and 3

1 Co-sponsor

• Thomas K. Duane

BILL NUMBER:S6693B

Title of bill

An act in relation to mandating a study of energy-efficient and sustainable forms of power to replace power generated by Indian Point units 2 and 3

Purpose or general idea of bill

To evaluate existing and potential sources of energy in the event that Indian Point 2 and 3 should not be able to provide power at some future date. Such an evaluation will examine the energy resourced and the most energy efficient and sustainable forms of power available in the event replacement power is necessary.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1. Legislative Intent and Findings.

Section 2. Amends Section 6-108 of the energy law by adding a new subdivision 4 which mandates the board to conduct an additional study to evaluate the potential impact of closure and discontinuation of operations of Indian Point Energy Centers 2 and 3. The study must include, at a minimum, an assessment of each of the following: (a) an examination of strategies to replace energy otherwise produced by Indian Point; (b) the potential economic impacts, including but not limited to state and local tax revenues and employment directly and indirectly associated with the facility; (c) a plan for workforce redeployment; and (d) the potential environmental impacts.

Section 3. The board must issue the report required in section two no later than March 31, 2013. Copies of the report must be provided to the Governor, Temporary President of the Senate, the Speaker of the Assembly, the Chair of the Senate Committee on Energy and Telecommunications and the Chair of the Assembly Committee on Energy.

Section 4. Effective date.

Justification

There has been widespread discussion on how to evaluate how the 2000 kilowatts of electricity delivered by Indian Point 2 and 3 could be replaced were the plants to cease functioning. There are a number of scenarios under which decommissioning could occur. It is not the intent of this bill to speculate regarding any of those eventualities; this bill would only offer data that would inform leaders, the local power providers, and the public on the best available means of replacement energy and then economic and environmental impacts.

without a plan for replacement energy, any closure, precipitous or otherwise, could leave the Hudson Valley and New York City area without a plan for provision of sufficient power. It should be noted that Indian Point 2 and 3 have sustained numerous closures without resulting in power shortages to consumers, however those closures have been relatively short term.

Prior legislative history

New bill.

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.