Press Releases

Buchanan, N.Y. – 3/6/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) welcomed Department of Energy Secretary Chris Wright to the site of the former Indian Point Energy Center, where Lawler called for the plant to be rebuilt and reopened as part of an effort to lower energy costs and strengthen the reliability of New York’s electric grid.

Standing at the former power plant site that once supplied roughly a quarter of the region’s electricity, the closure of Indian Point and the blocking of critical energy infrastructure have contributed to higher electricity costs and increased strain on New York’s electric grid.  

During the visit, Rep. Lawler also highlighted the newly introduced Economic Recovery for Nuclear-Affected Communities Act, legislation designed to provide economic relief to communities that lost jobs and tax revenue after nuclear plant closures but continue to store spent nuclear fuel onsite.

Communities across the country, including those in New York, are currently serving as long-term nuclear waste storage sites after plant closures. While these communities lose jobs and critical tax revenues, the nuclear fuel remains onsite, limiting redevelopment and deterring future investments to the surrounding areas.

“New Yorkers are now paying nearly 60 percent more for electricity than the national average, and prices have risen dramatically over the past several years. You cannot shut down nuclear plants, block natural gas pipelines, and impose costly mandates, and then act surprised when families are hit with some of the highest utility bills in America. I want to thank Secretary Chris Wright for being here today and for his leadership on strengthening America’s energy security,” said Congressman Lawler. 

“I’m calling for the rebuilding and reopening of Indian Point Energy Center and for an all-of-the-above energy strategy. That means supporting nuclear energy, approving critical infrastructure like natural gas pipelines, and ensuring communities like Buchanan are not left behind after decades of helping power our state,” concluded Congressman Lawler.

“Across the Northeast, including in New York, Americans are paying some of the highest electricity prices in the country because political leaders blocked critical infrastructure and prematurely shutdown power plants that deliver affordable, abundant power,” said Secretary Wright. “These actions have driven up electricity costs for millions of Americans. The Trump Administration believes energy policy should focus on the American people—not politics—by expanding reliable American energy, creating more American jobs, and lowering electricity prices for every American family and business across the country.”

The visit also reiterated the necessity of an all-of-the-above energy strategy that includes nuclear power, renewable energy, and responsibly developed natural gas to ensure energy remains reliable and affordable for families and businesses.

Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

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