Some policymakers in the Northeast have begun to reexamine nuclear power and the public's concern with it, in light of a need to reduce CO2 emissions and increase energy output in the region. In New York, some officials are now favoring both existing nuclear power and the creation of new plants. Other states in the region are expected to re-license or upgrade existing plants, with future CO2 emission regulations possibly creating the need for new construction.
Officials are recognizing the need for nuclear power as the Northeast starts to adapt to new carbon dioxide caps and increased customer demand, although public opinion may not totally be there yet. Former NYC mayor Rudy Guiliani, a likely 2008 presidential candidate, supports a 20-year license renewal for the Indian Point nuclear plant, which is 25 miles outside of Manhattan. This plant is controversia,l though, due to security concerns and the fact that governor-elect Eliot Spitzer, has called for its closure. Despite this, the New York State Public Service Commission expects to adopt a more favorable position toward nuclear power.
States across the Northeast are currently developing mandatory caps on CO2 emissions through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). Under the cap-and-trade system being established, up to 25 percent of allowances, allocated on the basis of "consumer benefits and strategic energy purposes" could be put toward new nuclear construction. One source stated that after the RGGI program takes effect in 2009, it is likely that more states will spend these allowances on the creation of nuclear plants. However, an environmental activist disagrees, saying that the Northeast will adapt to more stringent CO2 standards by improving energy efficiency; in his opinion, cleaner gas plants will replace coal plants, and the number of wind facilities will increase.
A report by nuclear industry consultants contends that in order to meet CO2 emissions requirements, all of the region's nuclear power plants will have to stay online and new plants would have to be constructed. Oswego County, New York is looking at building a new plant, with constructing beginning in 2010 and reaching completion by 2014. Entergy Nuclear Northeast will seek a license renewal for the Indian Point plant.