Statement from Keith Brooks, Programs Director, Environmental Defence
Toronto | Traditional territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishinaabeg, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat – We advise New York State to think carefully before following Ontario’s energy strategy. Ontario’s current reliance on nuclear energy is not delivering quick climate benefits.
Ontario’s plan leans heavily on fossil gas to fill the gaps until new nuclear projects, like Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), can start operating. These won’t be available for years, pushing Ontario to depend on gas plants until at least the mid-2040s. This approach risks missing emissions targets and worsening air quality.
Despite being pushed as the future, SMRs are still untested on a commercial scale. Moreover, past nuclear projects in Ontario have led to rising costs for consumers, with expenses stretching into the 2030s. Sticking to this plan could lock in high costs while delaying real climate action.
Instead of making the same mistakes, New York should consider quicker, cleaner energy solutions. Energy efficiency, distributed renewable energy, and battery storage can be deployed much sooner than new nuclear plants. These options have proven to be cost-effective ways to meet rising electricity demands while meeting climate goals.
According to recent reports, investing in clean energy can generate hundreds of thousands of jobs in Canada by 2035. These local solutions can also enhance grid reliability, protect households from high energy bills, and promote community resilience instead of concentrating risks in large projects.
Now is the time for New York and Ontario to adopt energy strategies that focus on cutting fossil fuel reliance. By leveraging affordable and distributed clean energy solutions, both regions can make meaningful strides toward reducing emissions right now.
Environmental Defence is a prominent Canadian organization dedicated to protecting clean water, safe climates, and healthy communities while working alongside government and industry.
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Tamara Latinovic, Environmental Defence, media@environmentaldefence.ca
