Assemblyman Scott Gray (R-Watertown) sat down with Assembly Radio-TV Producer Ted Flint for this month’s Assembly Update, where he spoke in depth about New York’s path to electrification, which is increasingly opening up to discussions of nuclear energy as part of a diversified strategy to reduce spiking costs. Gray also spoke about his trip to the southern border with Fort Drum’s 10th Mountain Division.

The passage of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) in 2019 put New York state on a path to electrification and decarbonization of the grid. Gray and many of his Assembly Minority colleagues have criticized the law as rushed and the driving force behind skyrocketing energy bills. “The objectives of the CLCPA are admirable; however, we’re simply not prepared for that type of expansion of our energy sources when demand for electricity is going up at an exponential rate,” he said.

Gray points to the rapid growth of new and emerging data centers, such as artificial intelligence and chip manufacturing, as major energy users. Combined with the push to electrification, he says, this is driving demand faster than the marketplace can respond, resulting in higher costs for consumers.

“We cannot meet the goals with renewables. It takes about three megawatts of renewables to make up for one megawatt of traditional fossil fuels or natural gas. Nuclear is base-load, reliable, dispatchable energy, and it creates good-quality jobs both in construction and ongoing operations.”

Nuclear was not a part of the conversation when the CLCPA was passed, but recently, Gov. Hochul has expressed support. New York state has now shifted part of the conversation to focus on advanced nuclear technology as a generation source.

“It’s refreshing to see a direction that is bipartisan. We have the federal administration headstrong into this issue, and the governor is on board. By all accounts, everybody is working well together to advance this issue forward.”

Gray noted that opportunities attached to this type of energy generation extend beyond energy security to skilled labor and broader economic benefits. He cited the 116th Assembly District as an ideal location. “Right here in Massena, we have the St. Lawrence Power Project, a hydro facility producing about a thousand megawatts. We also have Arconic and Alcoa—that’s why GM was originally here. Expanding that existing footprint would make sense. Large manufacturers already locate near these facilities, and the sooner we can safely stand up new projects, the better for our entire economy. Jobs will be created, and importantly, the community is already experienced in working with NYPA and negotiating host benefits. Massena is one of the best-positioned locations in upstate New York.”

The governor has announced one gigawatt of nuclear energy through the New York Power Authority, while NYSERDA is exploring advanced nuclear technology as well. A key metric in siting new facilities is community willingness.

“As a community, we’ve already raised our hand,” Gray continued. “Through my office, we are building support for this type of generation. Earlier this summer, we hosted an event in Alexandria Bay, and two more public events are planned. Fort Drum is also being considered for a micro-reactor project.”

Gray emphasized the historic nature of this shift, saying, “We have not seen this type of expansion of any industry—certainly not any energy generation source—in a lifetime. As we move forward, this will be a true generational movement.”

Lastly, Gray spoke about Fort Drum’s 10th Mountain Division. He will travel to the southern border Oct. 2–4 to join the Commanding General of the Division as they transfer command of the Joint Task Force Southern Border to the 101st Division.

“They’re getting ready to come home. I’ll be among the first to thank them for the work they’ve done. The North Country is ready to welcome them home. And I hope to communicate the important role they’ve played in keeping communities across New York and the entire country much safer.”

Watch the full video to hear Gray’s insights on these topics.