COALITION OF LABOR, MUNICIPALITIES, AND BUSINESS GROUPS APPLAUD GOVERNOR HOCHUL’S COMMITMENT TO EXPANDING NUCLEAR ENERGY IN NEW YORK STATE
2025 Poll Shows Overwhelming Bipartisan Support for Nuclear Energy, With Nearly 60 Percent of New Yorkers Favoring New Construction
Adding 1 Gigawatt of Nuclear Energy Will Create Thousands of Good, Union Jobs, Strengthen New York’s Energy Independence, and Deliver Cost-Stable, Zero-Emission Energy
Today, a coalition of labor, municipalities, and economic development organizations celebrated Governor Kathy Hochul’s directive to the New York Power Authority (NYPA) to add 1 gigawatt of nuclear energy to New York State’s energy grid. This announcement signals significant progress on nuclear – the state’s most affordable and largest source of carbon-free energy. Adding 1 gigawatt of nuclear energy means creating thousands of good, union jobs, increasing New York’s energy independence by reducing the state’s dependance on imported energy, and delivering cost-stable, zero-emission energy to New York families, protecting the environment and public health for generations to come.
At a time when access to affordable and reliable energy is a major concern for New York voters, nuclear energy has broad support from local and county officials across the state. A 2025 Moxie Strategies poll commissioned by the New York State Laborers recently found overwhelming bipartisan support across New York State for new nuclear energy, with at least half or more Democrats, Republicans, and independents saying New York should expand its nuclear energy facilities. Overall, nearly 60 percent of New Yorkers are supportive of constructing new nuclear power plants in the state. Among those who do express an opinion about nuclear energy, supporters outnumber opponents by a 70 percent to 30 percent margin.
Read the poll’s findings here.
“Governor Hochul’s decision demonstrates strong leadership in advancing a clean, reliable energy future for New York. Our recent polling shows broad, bipartisan support for expanding nuclear energy across the state. This action will also create thousands of good-paying union jobs and strengthen the role of union workers in building the next generation of energy infrastructure. We look forward to partnering with the Governor and her administration to move these projects forward,” said Vinny Albanese, Executive Director, New York State Laborers’ Political Action Fund, and Pat Purcell, Executive Director of New York State Laborers’-Employers’ Cooperation & Education Trust.
“We welcome Governor Hochul’s direction to move forward with new nuclear power generation to strengthen the state’s clean energy future and create sustainable high paying jobs. Nuclear power plants have proven to be economic engines for the communities that host them, providing a stable tax base that supports essential services like schools and creating a pathway for thousands of middle-class careers for New Yorkers. We look forward to working with the Governor with the intention that these projects are built and maintained by our highly skilled unions and to ensure they complement the vibrant economic growth happening across upstate New York,” said Austin Wheelock, Upstate Energy Jobs.
“The expansion of nuclear energy in New York is a major win for union workers and the future of skilled trades in our state. These projects will create thousands of family-sustaining jobs in construction and maintenance, while delivering the reliable, clean power our communities depend on. Governor Hochul’s commitment to nuclear energy means long-term opportunities for our members and continued investment in local economies. We stand ready to build the energy infrastructure New York needs for a cleaner, more resilient future,” said Greg Lancette, President, the Central New York Building and Construction Trades Council.
“Governor Hochul’s support for nuclear energy sends a clear message that New York is serious about building a clean, dependable energy system that creates real opportunity for working people. It provides the kind of high-quality, long-term careers that strengthen middle-class families and local economies. As New York’s economy grows and energy demand rises, we’re ready to meet the moment and ensure nuclear power plays a central role in the state’s clean energy future,” said Tom Ryan, Boilermakers Local 5.
“Wayne County is encouraged by the state’s commitment to expanding nuclear energy in New York. Nuclear power has been a vital part of our regional energy supply for decades, creating high-quality jobs, strengthening our local economy, and delivering reliable, carbon-free electricity. We appreciate Governor Hochul’s leadership and stand ready to support efforts that will bring long-term benefits to our communities and help build a cleaner, more resilient energy future,” said Dr. Mark Humbert, Interim County Administrator, Wayne County Board of Supervisors.
“We applaud New York State’s renewed focus on expanding nuclear energy as part of a broader clean energy strategy. Nuclear power has long played a critical role in supporting Central New York’s economy, driving investment, providing high-quality jobs, and delivering dependable, carbon-free electricity that powers local businesses and communities. Governor Hochul’s leadership recognizes the economic and environmental value of this resource, and we’re ready to support efforts that position our region as a hub for next-generation nuclear innovation and long-term economic growth,” said Robert Simpson, President of CenterState CEO.
“We’re excited by the prospect of bringing new nuclear projects to New York, and Oswego County would welcome them with open arms. Our existing nuclear facilities have long been cornerstones of the community, supporting thousands of jobs, driving economic growth, and ensuring reliable power for homes and businesses. With New York’s energy needs growing and new industries on the rise, we believe nuclear power is the clean, dependable solution that will carry us into a more resilient energy future. We commend Governor Hochul for recognizing this and look forward to partnering on projects that will continue to deliver benefits to our region for decades to come,” said Jim Weatherup, Oswego County Chairman of the Legislature.
“Governor Hochul’s commitment to expanding nuclear energy is a win for New York’s workers and our energy future. Nuclear power means more than just clean energy. It means stable, good-paying union jobs that support working families and anchor local economies. As the state grows and welcomes new industries, the demand for reliable, cost-stable electricity will only increase. Our members are ready to shape New York’s future – one that is powered by zero-emission nuclear energy and built and maintained by skilled union labor,” said Joe Peluso, Vice President of IBEW Local 97.
“For more than 50 years, our community has been proud to host clean, reliable, and safe nuclear energy that has powered our region, strengthened our economy, and provided family-sustaining careers for generations of hardworking men and women. Governor Hochul’s vision to expand nuclear investment across New York reinforces what we’ve long known in Oswego—nuclear energy is essential to a resilient grid, a cleaner climate, and a stronger middle class. We support this initiative to strengthen a carbon-free future that benefits all New Yorkers,” said Oswego Mayor Robert A. Corradino.
“The Carpenters Union is proud to stand behind Governor Hochul’s bold action to expand nuclear power. These projects will create thousands of good-paying jobs and ensure that our members can continue to build the infrastructure of tomorrow, which is carbon-free, safe, and reliable. Nuclear energy is a smart, sustainable investment in both our workforce and our future,” said Joe Geiger, Eastern District Vice President of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters.
