Can using nuclear power help New York achieve its climate goals?

New York’s ambitious carbon reduction law, the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, also known as the CLCPA, doesn’t say much about nuclear power. But it does require New York to reduce economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions 40% by 2030, and no less than 85% by 2050, from 1990 levels.

The question one climate scientist is asking is this: “Why not employ nuclear power” to help meet those goals?

Dr. James Hansen is a climate scientist and former director of NASA’s Goddard Institute. In 1988, Hansen sounded the alarm on global climate change. Currently, he directs the Climate Science, Awareness and Solutions Program at Columbia University’s Earth Institute. He is in Albany to testify before New York State’s Climate Action Council about the council’s draft scoping plan. Earlier this month, Hansen wrote a column for the Albany Times Union outlining his position.

He discussed the geopolitical implications of fossil fuels on Capital Tonight.

“[Germany’s] dependence on Russia is due in large part to the unfortunate leadership of Germany. They’re totally dependent on gas from Russia,” Hansen said.

Read more: https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/capital-region/politics/2022/04/14/can-using-nuclear-power-help-new-york-achieve-its-climate-goals-