Washington, D.C. , March 6, 2026
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. READ MORE AT ICYMI: Lawler, Energy Secretary Chris Wright Visit Indian Point, Call for Rebuilding And Reopening of Nuclear Facilities | Congressman Mike Lawler
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