The Issue: The potential consequences of closing the Indian Point nuclear power plant.
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Jonathan Lesser and Robert Bryce’s article, “The High Cost of Closing Indian Point,” raises a very important and often-overlooked point: New York’s transmission system is simply not capable of handling the excess strain that would result from the loss of Indian Point (PostOpinion, Aug. 8).
The reactor is essential for the smooth operation of our electric grid and compensates for deficiencies in our aging transmission infrastructure.
Any efforts to upgrade and expand this will take time and money and will undoubtedly face opposition. It is highly improbable, if not impossible, that the state would be prepared to deal with the loss.
M. Cordaro
Brentwood
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Closing Indian Point, an extremely safe facility which has been operated in a world-class manner, would send an unmistakable signal that New York is hostile to business.
It would deter companies from making major investments in the region and hiring employees for new jobs. The political world seems to have forgotten that closing the Shoreham nuclear power plant is still being felt 25 years later in the form of debt and higher taxes.
Eliminating Indian Point will also lead to higher pollution levels. A 2011 study by the city’s Department of Environmental Protection found closing Indian Point would increase carbon emissions by 15 percent and toxic nitrous oxide emissions by 8 percent, further degrading the region’s air quality.
Jerry Kremer
Chairman
New York Affordable
Reliable Electricity
Alliance
Manhattan