New ‘Beyond Indian Point’ Campaign Launches as Nuclear Facility Shuts Down; Focuses on NY’s Transition to Renewable Energy
Environmental organizations launch campaign to dispel nuclear and gas industry misinformation around Indian Point’s shutdown and speed the state’s move to 100% renewable energy and energy efficiency
With the first of Indian Point’s two nuclear reactors shutting down this month, several environmental organizations launched ‘Beyond Indian Point’ today. The new campaign serves to inform New Yorkers about Indian Point’s shutdown and focus on moving New York State to 100% renewable energy and energy efficiency. In the face of nuclear and gas industry misinformation about what the nuclear facility shutdown means for clean energy, Beyond Indian Point is providing the public with the facts, which show that renewable energy and efficiency are replacing the dangerous nuclear power plant.
Beyond Indian Point (http://beyondindianpoint.com/
The campaign launch includes a video marking the historic shutdown of Indian Point, featuring actor and activist Mark Ruffalo, musician and poet Ani DiFranco, and advocates who have been leading the movement. See the video here: https://youtu.be/uS-NPkUMxrc
The campaign is undertaking public outreach, online forums, and presenting information about the renewable energy and energy efficiency build up to date that is rising to match the electricity generated by Indian Point, and the future clean energy development that is taking place.
Indian Point is being replaced with renewable energy and efficiency, which have been building up over several years. A recent independent research brief by Physicians, Scientists, and Engineers for Health Energy found that New York did not and does not need to build new gas plants to keep the lights on when Indian Point shuts down. The analysis also found that recent deployment, current development, and projected growth of renewable generation and energy efficiency will contribute nearly 45,000 GWh annually by 2025, almost three times the 16,000 GWh currently supplied by Indian Point.
The first online forum hosted by the campaign is scheduled for Wednesday, May 6 at 4pm. Registration is available here: Beyond Indian Point Online Forum.
As Mark Ruffalo says in the Beyond Indian Point video, “New York can lead the way on 100% clean, safe, renewable energy. Let’s get beyond Indian Point!”
Richard Webster, Legal Program Director for Riverkeeper said: “Those concerned about New York’s energy future should get behind the state’s transition to renewable energy and energy efficiency. The tangible dangers posed by this aging plant — designed before most Americans were even born — are just too great. In contrast, the opportunity to replace it with job-creating, community-revitalizing renewable energy offers a tailor-made engine for economic recovery.”
Jessica Azulay, Executive Director of Alliance for a Green Economy, said: “By replacing Indian Point with efficient light bulbs and appliances, weatherization, wind energy, and solar energy, New York is showing the world what is possible. New York is clearly in the process of moving beyond dirty and dangerous nuclear and gas plants and building a more efficient, clean, and life sustaining energy system. This is a historic moment, and an opportunity for each of us to double down on our commitment toward 100% renewable energy in New York.”
Tim Judson, Executive Director, Nuclear Information and Resource Service said: “The retirement of Indian Point is the next major milestone in New York’s transition to safe, clean, sustainable energy. For over fifty years, Indian Point has abused the Hudson River and placed the entire New York City region at unacceptable risk, with nearly 20 million people living and working within 50 miles of reactors vulnerable to earthquakes, flooding, attacks, and pipeline explosions. But now it is being replaced with carbon-free, affordable, efficient, renewable energy sources, and driving the transformation of New York’s energy system to one that supports public health, economic and racial equity, and a more stable climate.”
Alex Beauchamp, Northeast Region Director at Food & Water Watch said: “As New York moves beyond Indian Point, we must recognize that the era of dirty energy is finally ending. It’s time for New York to double down on investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy to ensure a carbon-free, nuclear-free future for generations to come.”
Julia Walsh, Campaign Director of Frack Action, said, “Shutting down Indian Point is an historic achievement for New York. Everyone who lives within 50 miles in any direction will be able to rest easier. This is also an incredible moment because New York is replacing this dangerous nuclear power with safe and clean renewable energy and energy efficiency, creating many good jobs throughout the state. New York State is leading the nation and showing what’s possible in the 21st century clean energy future.”
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