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Could possible closure of Indian Point power plant revive NYRI-type plans?

By JOLEEN FERRIS

Story Created: Mar 17, 2011 at 4:57 PM EDT

Story Updated: Mar 17, 2011 at 5:36 PM EDT

WESTCHESTER, N.Y. (WKTV) - New York City gets up to 30% of its power from Indian Point Nuclear Plant in Westchester, but now, the plant has a powerful opponent, who wants it shut down.

"I've had concerns about Indian Point for a long time," NYS Governor Andrew Cuomo said. "As attorney general I did a lot of work on Indian Point. My position was it shouldn't be re-licensed. My position was it should be closed."

Cuomo is particularly concerned about statements suggesting that Indian Point is more vulnerable in the event of an earthquake than any other plant in the nation because its #3 reactor rests on a fault.

If Indian Point were to shut down, New York City would have to get up to 30% of its power from another source.

For some, this has conjured up ghosts of the ill-fated New York Regional Interconnect, or, "NYRI" project of 2009.

However, officials with the State Public Service Commission say there are currently no power line plans before them that would cut through central New York and go from upstate to downstate. However, if such a project were to arise, local NYRI opponent Marina Latella says she would mount a fight similar to the one that successfully blocked the NYRI project.
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