Governor Hochul Directs New York Power Authority to Develop a Zero-Emission Advanced Nuclear Energy Technology Power Plant – Governor Kathy Hochul (.gov)

Report on New York State’s Commitment to Nuclear Energy and Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

New York State is advancing its clean energy future by emphasizing the revival and expansion of nuclear power. This initiative aligns with multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Key stakeholders across labor unions, industry associations, and government entities have expressed strong support for this strategic direction.

Stakeholder Perspectives on Nuclear Energy and SDGs

1. Labor Unions’ Support for Nuclear Energy and Economic Growth (SDG 8)

   • New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento: Emphasized nuclear power’s role in stabilizing the power system, reducing emissions, and creating good-paying, family-sustaining union jobs, contributing to a greener economy.
   • New York State Building Trades President Gary LaBarbera: Highlighted nuclear plants as proven methods to lower emissions, generate reliable energy, and stimulate local economies through union careers.
   • Utility Workers Union of America President James Slevin: Supported nuclear energy as a zero-emission source that ensures grid stability and meets increasing power demands while creating community-supporting jobs.
   • Laborers’ International Union Vice President Donato A. Bianco, Jr.: Stressed the essential role of nuclear energy in meeting climate goals and sustaining union careers in green infrastructure.
   • IBEW International Vice President Dennis Affinati: Applauded the construction of a new advanced nuclear facility for generating clean energy and creating thousands of skilled construction and permanent jobs.

2. Industry Associations’ Endorsement of Nuclear Power for Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9)

   • Manufacturers Association of Central New York President & CEO Randy Wolken: Recognized advanced nuclear power as a safe, reliable, and carbon-free energy source critical for supporting high-tech industries such as microchips, AI, and biotechnology.
   • Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier Executive Director Todd Tranum: Supported advanced nuclear technology for its safety, low operating costs, reliability, and zero carbon emissions, emphasizing the importance of public-private partnerships.

3. Government and Business Leadership on Energy Reliability and Climate Action (SDG 7 and SDG 13)

   • Business Council of New York State President & CEO Heather Mulligan: Highlighted the importance of dispatchable, emission-free resources to meet energy reliability and emission reduction goals.
   • Independent Power Producers of New York President & CEO Gavin Donohue: Welcomed the state’s commitment to an all-of-the-above strategy including nuclear energy to ensure a balanced, reliable, and affordable electric grid.
   • New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher: Acknowledged nuclear power as a clean, low land-footprint, and long-term solution that complements wind and solar power, while creating high-paying jobs across the state.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

• SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy: Nuclear power provides a reliable, zero-emission energy source that supports New York’s clean energy transition.
• SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth: The development and expansion of nuclear facilities create thousands of union jobs and stimulate local economies.
• SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: Advanced nuclear technology supports high-tech industries and fosters innovation in energy infrastructure.
• SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: Reliable and clean energy contributes to sustainable urban and rural communities by reducing pollution and energy costs.
• SDG 13 – Climate Action: Nuclear energy’s zero-carbon emissions are critical to achieving New York’s climate goals and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Conclusion

New York State’s strategic focus on expanding nuclear power is a comprehensive approach to achieving its clean energy and climate objectives while fostering economic growth and job creation. The collaboration between government, labor unions, industry associations, and other stakeholders underscores a shared commitment to sustainable development and a greener future for all New Yorkers.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • The article emphasizes the development and expansion of nuclear power as a clean, reliable, and zero-emission energy source.
   • Focus on stabilizing the power grid and meeting climate goals through advanced nuclear energy.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Creation of good-paying, family-sustaining union jobs in the nuclear energy sector.
   • Economic stimulus to local communities and support for the middle class.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • Development of advanced nuclear technology supporting high-tech industries such as microchips, AI, and biotechnology.
   • Investment in infrastructure for clean and reliable energy production.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions through zero-emission nuclear power.
   • Meeting state climate goals and supporting decarbonization efforts.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
   • Target 7.3: Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
   • Target 7.a: Enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men.
   • Target 8.8: Protect labor rights and promote safe and secure working environments.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 7 Indicators
   • Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption (implied by emphasis on nuclear as zero-emission energy).
   • Indicator 7.3.1: Energy intensity measured in terms of primary energy and GDP (implied by focus on energy efficiency and reliable power).
2. SDG 8 Indicators
   • Indicator 8.5.2: Unemployment rate, by sex, age, and persons with disabilities (implied by creation of union jobs and employment opportunities).
   • Indicator 8.8.1: Frequency rates of fatal and non-fatal occupational injuries (implied by emphasis on safe, union jobs).
3. SDG 9 Indicators
   • Indicator 9.4.1: CO2 emission per unit of value added (implied by adoption of clean nuclear technology).
4. SDG 13 Indicators
   • Indicator 13.2.2: Total greenhouse gas emissions per year (implied by the goal to reduce emissions through nuclear energy).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: governor.ny.gov