My friend and I were in the backseat of the car, humming to whatever catchy pop song was on the radio. We looked up and saw that we had arrived at our destination. The arcade reflected along the Hudson River beautifully, with its bold lettering and four-story rope course hovering by. It was part of a shopping complex next to a gas station and a grocery store. As we looked behind us, we saw the shiny landmark of the town: the Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant.
Living just minutes from the plant, a nearly 70-year-old energy center nestled in New York’s highly populated Hudson Valley, just miles from Manhattan, its presence was integrated into my life and the livelihoods of my entire town. When I first lived around Indian Point, I was in third grade and was terrified of a reactor meltdown, and so was my town — the local government has pills distributed in the case of radiation sickness, and notable bus routes are implemented in the case of evacuation. Every election cycle saw the issue come up, and there was constant unease. In nearly every town council meeting a concerned resident would speak up about the power plant. Election cycle 2014 was when I firsthand saw the effect, as a local State Senate contest got embroiled in the debate over Indian Point. Close Indian Point signs would be construed around lawns and businesses alike, with a consensus on the issue transcending politics and more local proximity to Indian Point. State officials with more leeway could get away with scrutinizing it, but more local leaders had to save face as the town’s economic outlook could be upended without Indian Point. This helped business remain as usual, with people going on with their lives, and just like the arcade, many businesses and houses were located within walking distance of the reactor.
Still, the plant came with benefits — the plant’s owner, Louisiana-based Entergy, provided around thirty-two million in annual contributions to my town and the surrounding area, with twenty-four million going towards local school boards, according to former Cortlandt Town Supervisor Linda Puglisi. These funds were hugely helpful to the prosperity of my town as Buchanan is one of the poorest communities in the otherwise affluent Westchester County.
It was no surprise, then, when Indian Point became the center of the debate around Nuclear energy. For years, New Yorkers argued that the results of a full-down nuclear meltdown here could cataclysmic, with the tristate area at risk of exposure to high levels of radioactive material. Climate advocates also argued that other renewable energy projects that are in the works could suffice, such as a wind farm being constructed offshore Long Island in the Atlantic Ocean. These arguments swayed many, including former governor Andrew Cuomo, who gave in to closing the plant in 2017. This decision was applauded by local politicians, such as former Republican State Senator Terrence Murphy (he was in office at the time of the closure announcement but was voted out in 2018). However, local leaders who relied on Entergy’s funds were dismayed by the decision.
Others fear a nuclear Armageddon, with the few people not engulfed by nuclear radiation living deep underground in hazmat suits eating canned food.
Nuclear energy is a contentious issue worldwide, with many pointing to the sheer amount of clean energy it produces. In contrast, others fear a nuclear Armageddon, with the few people not engulfed by nuclear radiation living deep underground in hazmat suits eating canned food. One area where the rift could not be more significant was the Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant. The results of a full-down nuclear meltdown could be cataclysmic, with the tristate area at risk of being engulfed in nuclear radiation. Furthermore, some areas may be unable to be evacuated, such as Long Island, which has no connection by road or train to anywhere other than New York City. My nana is one of the victims to this, who despite navigating other ways out of the city came up short and realizes going from New York City and then New Jersey may be her only option as bridges like the Whitestone would lead one closer to Indian Point and directly to it’s path. Furthermore traffic constraints would make northbound traffic a mess with emergency officials rerouting people. Climate advocates also argued that other renewable energy projects that are in the works could suffice, such as a wind farm being constructed offshore Long Island in the Atlantic Ocean. These arguments swayed many, including former Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo, who gave in to closing the plant entirely by 2021. This decision was applauded by local politicians, such as former Republican State Senator Terrence Murphy (he was in office at the time of the closure announcement but was voted out in 2018). However, local leaders who relied on Entergy’s funds were dismayed by the decision.
Others argue that the risk was worth the benefit. Being roughly 30 miles north of New York, the power plant provided the city with approximately 25% of its power supply. Furthermore, with Indian Point’s closure in 2021, New York has been forced to rely on natural gas, with a report by the New York State Independent System Operator showing that 89% of energy downstate came from natural gas and oil, up from 77% the year before when both of Indian Points nuclear reactors were running. This is the foundation of pro-nuclear groups, with climate scientist James Hansen spearheading the movement.
Indian Point will also serve as an interesting case study, for the future of American nuclear energy. Foremost, the plant’s closure will result in an immediate spike in natural gas and oil without a clear renewable energy structure preemptively established. Other countries, such as Germany, are facing similar calls to shut down more nuclear energy and may examine Indian Point’s closure to ensure they have alternative renewable energy sources if they pursue closures.
Evan Hunt ‘27 studies in the College of Arts & Sciences. He can be reached at e.m.hunt@wustl.edu.