Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C-Pulaski), in conjunction with Operation Oswego County, Sen. Chris Ryan, Sen. Mark Walczyk, and Oswego County officials hosted a nuclear energy forum today at Cayuga Community College’s Fulton Campus. The event was focused on nuclear energy expansion as a major economic development opportunity, highlighting regional support from community members, businesses and labor and industry leaders.

“It was a pleasure to take part in this important conversation about New York’s nuclear future. The baseload power that nuclear provides to our grid is invaluable, and I am thankful the state is finally recognizing its potential in our energy mix. I’m grateful to Operation Oswego County and my partners in the state Legislature for convening and supporting this forum, because the truth is simple: No community is better prepared to help New York meet its growing energy demand than Oswego County. We have the talent, the track record and the infrastructure to deliver,” said Leader Barclay.

Last year, Gov. Kathy Hochul directed the New York Power Authority (NYPA) to increase production of advanced nuclear energy to meet the state’s growing power demands driven by semiconductors and advanced manufacturing. In December, Oswego County submitted its formal interest to NYPA, outlining the reasons why it is an ideal location for the investment. Today’s roundtable showcased local efforts to support new nuclear development and gave stakeholders the opportunity to discuss how nuclear energy can help meet the state’s call for new options.

Leader Barclay has previously expressed support for Gov. Hochul’s directive to expand advanced nuclear energy production, calling it a long‑overdue step toward stabilizing New York’s strained electric grid. He has underscored the need for nuclear to play a greater role as statewide demand increases, stating, “Nuclear is coming to our state, and Oswego County is the clear choice to lead the way.”

Approximately 75 participants attended the forum, including keynote panelists Rich Barlette of Constellation; Greg Lancette, international representative for the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada; Phil Church, Oswego County administrator; Rob Simpson, CenterState CEO; and Marcus Nichol, executive director of New Nuclear at the Nuclear Energy Institute.

State Senator Christopher Ryan (SD-50) said, “For decades, Oswego County has been the heart of New York’s nuclear energy industry. Constellation’s Oswego plants have quietly powered millions of homes with carbon-free energy. These aren’t just facilities, they are pillars of our community. They have supported families for generations, sustained small businesses and regional economic development, and created pathways to good-paying, union jobs. This moment is about more than power generation—it’s about leadership. It’s about showing that Oswego can continue to lead the nation in clean energy innovation. With Constellation’s proven expertise, our unions’ unmatched skill, and the deep community pride that defines this region, Oswego isn’t just ready for the next era of nuclear energy, it’s built for it.”

“Constellation’s three upstate nuclear facilities deliver nearly half of the state’s emissions-free power, support 14,400 local jobs and deliver millions in local tax revenue – all of which provide a solid foundation for new nuclear projects to build upon,” said Rich Barlette, Director, State Government Affairs, Constellation. “These existing sites that have longstanding and strong community relationships would serve as ideal locations to site new nuclear projects in New York State.”

International Representative, United Association of Journeymen & Apprentices of the Plumbing & Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States & Canada Greg Lancette said, “The Building Trades members in CNY have been critical partners in the construction, refueling, and plant upgrades since the advent of nuclear energy in New York State. Our members take great pride and stewardship in the community workplace while being employed at the site(s). Much of our workforce is community based and generational that lives within Oswego and contiguous counties and have earned wages and benefits that allow our members to work in the community that they live, play, and raise their families. The trades have also been planning and implementing scaling efforts to increase the capacity of the construction requirements of the industry to continue to provide the skilled labor in the region.”

“Due to its many physical advantages and long history of local community support for nuclear generation, the Nine Mile Point site in Oswego County is the most viable location to support new advanced nuclear generation in New York State,” said Austin Wheelock, Executive Director of Operation Oswego County. “Coupled with unprecedented demand for additional clean and reliable generation to support the growth of the semiconductor industry that will drive Upstate New York’s economy, we are an eager partner to help meet New York’s future electrical power demand.”

“Oswego County has a proven history of leadership in clean energy, and this forum underscored how well positioned our region is to help shape the future of nuclear power,” said Robert Simpson, president and CEO at CenterState CEO. “This region has a critical role to play in advancing clean energy development as we look to meet increasing energy demand driven by semiconductors and advanced manufacturing. New nuclear development will create good-paying jobs and strengthen our economy, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to engage with partners in this important conversation.”

“With 60 years of experience as a nuclear host community, Oswego County is ready for the addition of new nuclear facilities,” said Philip Church, County Administrator. “We already have a qualified nuclear workforce, skilled trades workers, safety infrastructure, nearby electricity demand, a supportive community, and Nine Mile Point has abundant land available for nuclear construction. The existing three facilities are good corporate neighbors that provide high-paying jobs, positively impact the local and regional economy, and contribute significantly to the tax base and local community organizations. We look forward to working with NYPA and the Governor to help the State reach its carbon-free emission goals through the development of new nuclear electricity generation.”

“The Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) applauds New York’s commitment to evaluating nuclear energy as a long-term solution for meeting rising electricity demand and improving energy reliability,” said Marc Nichol, executive director of new nuclear at NEI. “Meaningful community engagement is foundational to the nuclear industry, and forums like this help ensure conversations about nuclear energy are informed, transparent, and grounded in local priorities, while highlighting its role in delivering reliable clean power, supporting skilled jobs, and strengthening energy systems.”