BILL NUMBER: S9898
SPONSOR: O'MARA
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to establish the commission on reopening the Indian Point energy
center; to amend the energy law, the general municipal law, the public
authorities law, and the public service law, in relation to definitions
of certain terms relating to renewable energy; to repeal paragraph (a)
of subdivision 4 of section 162 of the public service law, relating to
electric generating facilities; and directing the New York state energy
research and development authority to conduct a feasibility study on
nuclear small modular reactors
 
PURPOSE:
to establish the commission on reopening the Indian Point energy center;
to amend the energy law, the general municipal law, the public authori-
ties law, and the public service law, in relation to de definitions of
certain terms relating to renewable energy; to repeal paragraph (a) of
subdivision 4 of 08/19/24 2 16069-01-4 section 162 of the public service
law, relating to electric generating facilities; and directing the New
York state energy research and development authority to conduct a feasi-
bility study on nuclear small modular reactors
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1. To establish a commission on reopening the Indian Point ener-
gy center to evaluate the cost, feasibility, and impact on grid capacity
of reopening the Indian Point energy center.
Section 2. Expands the definition of "Renewable energy resources"
Sections 3 - 5 Expands the definition of "Renewable energy systems"
Section 6. Repeals Paragraph (a) of subdivision 4 of section 162 of the
public service law.
Section 7. Conducts a feasibility study on nuclear small modular reac-
tors
Section 8. States the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The closure of Indian Point has proven to be a significant setback in
terms of grid reliability and capacity. Since its shutdown, our grid's
capacity has diminished, forcing us to rely more heavily on fossil fuels
to compensate for the loss of the clean energy Indian Point once
provided.
As we decommissioned this critical component of our energy infrastruc-
ture, we simultaneously set ambitious energy goals, assuming that wind
and solar would be sufficient to meet them. In doing so, we overlooked
the immense potential of the clean, renewable energy source we had just
eliminated-nuclear power.
Nuclear energy is not only clean and reliable but also operates 365 days
a year, producing more power than wind and solar combined. I f we are
truly committed to achieving an affordable, clean energy future, nuclear
power must be a cornerstone of our strategy. This bill proposes the
creation of a study commission to explore the feasibility of bringing
Indian Point back online or repurposing the site for similar uses. It
also includes nuclear power in the state's energy plan, opening the door
for further research and investment.
Additionally, the bill directs NYSERDA to evaluate the role of small
modular reactors in our renewable energy future. These reactors are
compact yet powerful, and they will play a crucial role in the develop-
ment of distributed generation.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S9898: 1-103 energy law, 1-103(12) energy law, 119-ff general municipal law, 119-ff(7) general municipal law, 1851 public authorities law, 1851(10) public authorities law, 66-p public service law, 66-p(1) public service law, 162 public service law, 162(4) public service law