FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 12, 2026
Media Contact: Katy Zielinski | katy@moxiestrategies.com | 203-819-2595
Statewide Coalition Unites Labor, Business, Public Health, and Community Leaders to Promote Informed Discussion of Advanced Nuclear Energy
Polling Shows New Yorkers Have Broad Support for Nuclear Energy, With Strong Interest in Clear Information on Safety, Cost, Used Fuel, and New Technology
Today, leading labor, business, and community leaders formally launched the Future Energy Alliance – a coalition committed to strengthening New York’s clean energy future by elevating the role of next-generation nuclear power. The coalition will help inform communities about safety, cost, used fuel, and new technologies while supporting the responsible development of new nuclear plants in New York State.
The coalition will educate New Yorkers on the benefits of new nuclear, which include:
- Keeping energy costs stable by protecting families and businesses from global fuel swings and strengthening the grid
- Delivering clean, around-the-clock power that cuts smog, improves air quality, and reduces pollution in communities long burdened by fossil-fuel plants
- Ensuring safety through next-generation designs that incorporate enhanced safety systems, modern monitoring, and updated used fuel-management practices informed by decades of progress.
“New York’s laborers have helped build this state for generations, andThe Future Energy Alliance makes sure we have a role in building its nuclear energy future as well. This coalition reflects a practical commitment to clean, safe, cost-stable power — and investing in next-generation nuclear will strengthen local economies and create meaningful opportunities for working families across New York,” said Donato A. Bianco, JR., Vice President & New England Regional Manager, LIUNA.
“The Future Energy Alliance brings industry, labor, and local leaders to the same table to plan for New York’s nuclear future. Constellation is proud to support this work and to advance the next generation of nuclear technology that can deliver long-term energy stability and broad economic benefits for communities across the state,” said Mason Emnett, Senior Vice President of Public Policy, Constellation.
“Advanced nuclear energy deserves a fact-based conversation because it offers the potential for reliable, carbon-free energy that will deliver long-term economic opportunities to NewYork State. The Business Council is pleased to join the Future Energy Alliance and help New Yorkers engage with the facts on next-gen nuclear energy,” said Paul Zuber, Executive Vice President, The Business Council of New York State.
“New York’s union tradespeople know that a strong energy grid is the backbone of a strong economy. Advanced nuclear power offers clean, always-on energy while creating good, family-sustaining union CAREERS. The Future Energy Alliance brings together voices that understand we can protect the environment, strengthen our communities, and keep New York workers at the center of the state’s energy future,” said Gary LaBarbera, President, NYS Building and Construction Trades Council.
"It’s clearer than ever that achieving the State’s clean energy goals requires embracing technologies that reduce emissions, including nuclear ... Deploying advanced nuclear technologies will ensure New York's employers can access affordable, clean electricity, which is essential for economic stability and environmental goals. New nuclear projects will be built by union members, supporting both a greener economy and economic opportunity." said Mario Cilento, President, New York State AFL-CIO.
“Building a clean, reliable energy future for New York means investing in infrastructure that puts skilled trades workers to work while delivering dependable power for communities. The Future Energy Alliance recognizes that next-generation nuclear energy can create family-sustaining jobs. Our members are ready to help build what comes next for New York,” said Greg Lancette, International Representative for the United Association.
“IBEW members know that building New York’s clean energy future means investing in projects that create skilled, family-sustaining jobs and deliver reliable power for the longhaul. The Future Energy Alliance brings working people into the conversation about nuclear energy, technology that can strengthen the grid, protect public health, and provide safe, high-quality union jobs for generations to come,” said Joe Peluso, Vice President and Assistant Business Manager, IBEW Local 97.
“Advanced nuclear energy represents a critical opportunity for Oswego County and New York, to strengthen our economy, create high-quality jobs, and support long-term growth.The Future Energy Alliance will ensure that our communities benefit economically while helping power the state’s future,” said Austin Wheelock, Executive Director, Operation Oswego County.
“Reliable and affordable energy is foundational to economic growth. We are proud to join theFuture Energy Alliance to ensure local businesses are part of the discussion about advanced nuclear energy and the role it plays in strengthening our communities,” said Sara Broadwell, Executive Director, Greater Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce.
“Reliable, affordable energy is essential to New York’s manufacturing economy. MACNY is proud to be apart of the Future Energy Alliance and to support discussion about increasingNew York’s nuclear energy development and its role in strengthening our state’s clean, reliable energy future,” said Randy Wolken, President and CEO, The Manufacturers Association & The Manufacturers Alliance of New York State.
“A reliable, affordable, and clean energy supply is essential to New York’s economic competitiveness. The Future Energy Alliance creates an important forum for informed, fact-based discussion about next-generation nuclear power and its potential to support jobs, strengthen our energy grid, and drive long-term, economic growth in Central New York,” said Rob Simpson, President and CEO, CenterState CEO.
“The New York State Economic Development Council is proud to join a coalition focused on strengthening New York’s energy and economic future. New nuclear energy is critical to long-term growth, providing reliable, carbon-free power that attracts investment, creates jobs, and supports businesses and communities across the state. We’re encouraged to see a serious commitment to developing clean, safe, and dependable energy for New York’s future,” said Ryan Silva, Executive Director, New York State Economic Development Council.
“As the largest healthcare system in Oswego County, Oswego Health sees firsthand how clean air, environmental stewardship, and reliable infrastructure directly impact the health and well-being of the people we serve. We care deeply about the long-term health of our communities, and that includes supporting clean, reliable energy solutions. We are proud to be part of the Future EnergyAlliance and to support informed, responsible conversations around advanced nuclear energy that protect public health, strengthen our local economy, and help power a healthier future for New York,” said Michael Backus, President & CEO, Oswego Health.
“Oswego County is thrilled to support Governor Hochul’s nuclear initiative as well as to be apart of the Future Energy Alliance Coalition. The economic future of New York depends on the state’s ability to create reliable, resilient, and affordable sources of energy. Oswego County has always been on the forefront when it comes to energy innovation and we look forward to continuing that role,” said James Weatherup, Legislature Chairman, Oswego County.
“Our members know that a strong energy future depends on investing in clean nuclear energy and the skilled workers who build and maintain it. The Boilermakers support expanding New York’s nuclear capacity because it creates good-paying union jobs while delivering clean, safe, and reliable power. This investment will strengthen local economies and ensure a stable energy supply New Yorkers can count on for decades,” said Tom Ryan, Business Manager-Secretary Treasurer, Boilermakers Local 5.
“Advanced nuclear energy is essential to meeting New York’s climate goals while maintaining reliable, affordable power for families and businesses. The Future Energy Alliance brings together voices from labor, health, and local communities to ensure nuclear energy is discussed transparently and responsibly as part of a clean, equitable energy transition,” said Dietmar Detering, Chair, Nuclear New York.
“Nuclear power has an essential role to play in delivering reliable, efficient electricity and our reactor technology has generated carbon-free electricity for New York since the 1960s. We are proud to be part of this effort to advance technologies such as small modular reactors that not only promise substantial economic benefits to communities but also significantly enhance energy security," said Jason Cooper, Advanced Nuclear CEO, GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy.
For decades, nuclear power has safely provided reliable, carbon-free electricity across the country. Today’s advanced technologies build on that record with innovations that make nuclear built for the needs of a rapidly electrifying state and aligned with recent polling showing New Yorkers are increasingly open to learning more about nuclear’s role in meeting future demand.
The Future Energy Alliance is a growing group of labor, business, public-health, and community leaders committed to shaping an informed, constructive statewide conversation about advanced nuclear energy. The coalition’s mission is to build broad, stable, long-term support for building additional nuclear energy and a clean, reliable, and affordable energy future for New York.
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