U.S. District Judge Valerie Caproni issued a ruling Tuesday saying the New York program awarding zero emission credits to certain nuclear generators for their zero-emissions electricity production is constitutional and does not intrude on federal jurisdiction of wholesale electricity markets and dismissed the case against the program, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council.

This ruling follows a July 14 dismissal of similar challenges to the Illinois Zero Emission Credit Program by the Northern Illinois Federal District Court. 

The Illinois decision has been appealed by the plaintiffs and the New York decision is very likely to be as well.

In Pennsylvania

On June 5, Exelon announced it would close its Three Mile Island nuclear power plant in Dauphin County by September 30, 2019, absent needed state policy reforms.  A few days before, Exelon said TMI did not clear the most recent PJM power auction, making it the third time in a row.

In March, lawmakers formed a Senate-House Nuclear Energy Caucus Co-Chair Sen. Ryan Aument (R-Lancaster) said was to “give members of the General Assembly an opportunity to become more educated about nuclear energy’s economic and environmental value and provide another voice in other important discussions, including electric power reliability, affordability and safety.”

The other Caucus co-chairs are Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne), Rep. Becky Corbin (R-Chester) and Rep. Rob Matzie (D-Allegheny).

NewsClips:

New York Zero Emission Credit Lawsuit Dismissed By Federal Court

Federal Court Throws Out Challenge To New York Nuclear Subsidies

With Power Plants Struggling, FirstEnergy Sets Up Meeting With Creditors

Op-Ed: PA Should Ignore Nuclear Industry Pleas For Bailout

Op-Ed: Let’s Save TMI And The Jobs That Come With It

Related Stories:

Federal Court Dismisses Legal Challenges To Illinois Zero Emission Credit Program

Exelon, Illinois OK Bill To Keep Nuclear Plants Open, Expand Renewable, Energy Efficiency

Exelon To Retire Three Mile Island Nuclear Power Plant In 2019

FirstEnergy CEO Addresses Potential closure Of Nuclear Power Plants In Ohio, PA

PJM: States Should Create Climate Benefit Markets If They Want To Subsidize Nuclear Plants

Op-Ed: Nuclear Energy - A Keystone For Pennsylvania’s Economy and Environment

Senate Hearing: Natural Gas Development Has Major Impact On PA Energy Markets

Natural Gas, Oil Square Off Against Nuclear Power Over Potential Bailout In PA

Senate, House Lawmakers Announce Formation Of First Nuclear Energy Caucus

[July 25, 2017]

7/31/2017