As the state works to secure a reliable, affordable, and clean energy future, nuclear power stands out – not only because its low-carbon electricity, but because safety and community protection are built into every level of its operation.
Safety is Built into Every Layer
“Safety at a nuclear plant isn’t just a checklist, it’s a deeply held culture reflected in every system, procedure, and moment of training. From the VP to the custodian, every person uses handrails for support and stands aside to answer a message. These protocols are to protect themselves, their coworkers, and the wider community, demonstrating that our commitment to safety is built into both our operations and our values. Nuclear is built to be safe by design, and we take that responsibility to our neighbors seriously every single day.”
– John Marchant-Daisley, Nine Mile Point Reactor Engineer
U.S. nuclear plants operate under some of the most stringent federal safety standards of any industry. Safety is the highest priority at every commercial nuclear facility, embedded into plant design, daily operations, and workforce training. Employees complete approximately over 300 hours of safety training annually, including emergency preparedness drills and equipment certification programs.
Plant design itself reflects this commitment. Nuclear facilities are built with multiple physical barriers and redundant safety systems designed to prevent the release of radiation. Every facility is continuously monitored and subject to extensive inspections by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC),which maintains on-site inspectors at each plant. Each year, the NRC spends nearly 6,000 hours inspecting and reviewing nuclear plants, with on-site inspectors continuously monitoring plant operations.
Cleaner Air, Healthier Communities
Protecting public health also means reducing harmful air pollution. Unlike fossil fuel power plants, nuclear energy generates power without combustion. That means no smog-forming pollutants and no greenhouse gas emissions during operation.
Air pollution is linked to asthma, heart disease, and other serious health risks. By producing large amounts of reliable, emissions-free power around the clock, nuclear energy helps reduce dependence on higher-emitting sources and supports healthier communities across New York.
A Proven Partner in New York’s Clean Energy Future
As New York works to build its clean energy mix while keeping the lights on, nuclear energy offers something rare: large-scale, dependable power that protects the climate and public health – safely, responsibly, and in a way that supports healthier communities today and for generations to come.
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[1] https://www.nei.org/fundamentals/safety
[2] https://www.nei.org/advantages/air-quality
[3] https://www.nei.org/resources/fact-sheets/safety-nuclear-energy-industry-highest-priority