“True Sustainability is Our Business”
While the future of health care is getting much attention, a second and equally important issue also has emerged with policy makers at the federal, state and local level. This is the issue of energy sustainability and nowhere will these developments play a greater role than right here, in the Hudson Valley.
The House of Representatives recently passed landmark legislation dubbed “Waxman-Markey”. This legislation would institute a national “cap-and-trade” program intended to foster a cleaner natural environment, but has been criticized for numerous issues, not the least of which is that it will raise rates and create new taxes.
In New York, Governor Paterson recently unveiled a preliminary state energy plan that also is controversial. While the proposal offers a roadmap towards achieving the Governor’s vision of energy conservation and greater energy independence, the plan leaves unresolved questions regarding our ability to meet growing power demands. We are extremely gratified to see that the proposal includes new Article X siting provisions that would help expedite new generating-facility construction throughout the state. This would be especially helpful in North Rockland.
Locally, a recent federal decision also may shape the very future of our energy supply and support our region’s continuing efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The federal ruling that Indian Point has met strict federal safety standards and can continue operations for another twenty years is good news for all Hudson Valley residents.
At the Rockland Business Association, we have embraced a forward-looking agenda that supports sustainability at every level. Our Green Council helps RBA members realize the bottom-line benefits of going green and empowers members to find the sustainable solutions best suited for their businesses. We also host an annual “Green Seminar” devoted to furthering the development of a new generation of “green-collar” jobs.
From a business standpoint, shutting down Indian Point’s 2,000 megawatts of safe, clean power would have a serious impact on our entire regional economy. Not only would it impact more than 10,000 jobs, but it would foster a negative economic impact in excess of $800 million.
More than half of New York’s electricity is produced from virtually emissions-free energy resources such as Indian Point. This is a key reason why New York has achieved the distinction of holding the third-lowest per capita carbon emissions rate in the nation and why New York was able to lead the way in capping greenhouse gas emissions through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).
As a North Rockland resident, it is particularly re-assuring that the federal government continues to keep safety concerns paramount in their decision-making process. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s independent assessment that Indian Point can safely operate for additional 20 years actually rebuts the case against the facility made by the proposed state energy plan.
In the current economic crisis, it is counter-productive for anyone to support closing an environmentally-friendly, safely-run power plant. Indian Point produces clean, reliable baseload energy to power our businesses, schools, hospitals and our households. It is a vital component to achieving a sustainable future, a goal which should be everyone’s business.
Al Samuels
President, Rockland Business Association |
