WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) – As the prospect of building a nuclear power plant in the North Country is explored, a recent study found that the more local residents know about it, the more they support it.
However, the survey also says most people know little about nuclear energy.
Nuclear power can be scary. For some, it evokes images of disasters like Fukushima and Chernobyl.
Some believe it’s the future of clean energy.
According to a recent study conducted by Jefferson Community College’s Center for Community Studies, the North Country is trending toward the latter.
32% of those surveyed say they’re informed on the topic of nuclear power and in favor of it. Only 8% say they’re informed and are opposed. Center for Community Studies Director Joel LaLone says that paints a somewhat favorable picture.
“It still is the case that more New Yorkers are in support than in opposition,” he said.
But that still leaves 60% of the people who were surveyed. They say they want to learn more about nuclear power before forming an opinion.
This comes as the Army Corps of Engineers eyes Fort Drum as the site for a small nuclear reactor, and the New York Power Authority plans to construct an advanced nuclear power plant somewhere in upstate New York.
“The largest group is why NYPA is saying it’s time to educate – to educate stakeholders, educate the general public to learn more about these new technologies,” said LaLone.
Spearheading that effort to educate is state Assemblyman Scott Gray. He wants the North Country to be the site of that planned upstate nuclear reactor, so he has helped to put together a public forum at Jefferson Community College.
It’ll feature presentations from the New York Power Authority, various nuclear power companies, and other experts.
“So we’ll talk about the technology, the facts about the technology, and we’ll talk about the benefits to the community for hosting nuclear energy,” said Gray (R. – 116th District).
The public forum kicks off at 6 p.m. on Wednesday at JCC’s Sturtz Theater. If you want to stop by a little earlier, representatives from various nuclear power companies, trade unions, and other organizations will be able to speak with you 1 on 1.
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