Federal, State, Local Officials Rally To Save Fitzpatrick

Press Release

Federal, state, and local officials tonight joined over one thousand concerned FitzPatrick Nuclear Plant employees, their families, and community members to express support for FitzPatrick. Earlier this month, Entergy officials announced that the plant may not be refueled.

Together with leaders from IBEW Local 97, Operation Oswego County, and Mexico Academy and Central School District, U.S. Reps. John Katko (NY-24) and Richard Hanna (NY-22), State Senator Patty Ritchie (48th District), Assemblymen Robert Oaks (130th District) and Will Barclay (120th District), and Oswego County Legislature Chairman Kevin Gardner gathered to show support for the hundreds of highly technical jobs that the plant provides and for carbon-free and efficient energy.

"There is no question that the loss of FitzPatrick nuclear energy plant would affect not only Oswego County, but our entire Central New York region," said U.S. Representative John Katko at tonight's rally. "Tonight, we heard that message loud and clear from hundreds of FitzPatrick employees, their families, and community members. We're here to support these individuals tonight -- and in the future."

"FitzPatrick is part of the makeup of this community," U.S. Representative Richard Hanna said. "It is a place where our neighbors work, a place that supplies clean energy to so many in this region, and it is a place that needs to not only stay in Oswego County, but continue to thrive in Oswego County. We stand today in support of keeping FitzPatrick open."

"From people who work at the plant to representatives of the businesses and organizations that rely on the economic boost it provides, the hundreds of people at tonight's rally sent a strong message to Entergy -- we need FitzPatrick to remain in Central New York," expressed State Senator Patty Ritchie. "Tonight's rally however is just the first step. It's my hope that moving forward, we can harness this momentum and continue our joint efforts to work together and save FitzPatrick."

"The great turnout here tonight illustrates our community's support for the FitzPatrick plant and its employees," said Assemblyman Will Barclay. "This clear showing of solidarity should send a message to Entergy, the Governor and other New York state policymakers that we need to do what we can to keep the plant in operation and encourage nuclear energy in New York state. Keeping FitzPatrick open is good for our area, our environment, and our economy."

"I am pleased to be joining with numerous leaders and citizens throughout our region to support the on-going operation of the FitzPatrick Nuclear Power plant," Assemblyman Bob Oaks continued. "It is critical for our economy, Oswego County, and our future energy needs."

"FitzPatrick is at the core of helping to create a sustainable Oswego County," said Oswego County Legislature Chairman Kevin Gardner. "I'm happy to join with our federal and state employees tonight, as well as our local partners, to show the strong support that FitzPatrick has in our community."

"The vitality of our region depends on the economic boost and jobs that FitzPatrick Nuclear Plant supports," stated Michael Treadwell, Executive Director of Operation Oswego County. "We all know what's at stake here, and we'll be continuing to fight alongside one another to keep Entergy in Central New York."

Superintendent of Mexico Academy and Central School District Sean Bruno said, "I'm grateful for the opportunity tonight to be a part of this rally, to express our support and gratitude for FitzPatrick and all of its employees, and to support them in this time of uncertainty. Their dedication to this community and our school, and the role they have here in Oswego County, is evident once again here tonight."

"It is refreshing to see our local elected officials take such a proactive approach to try and address this issue," expressed IBEW Local 97 President and Business Manager Theodore Skerpon. "Even though Entergy has not notified the state of its intent to close, it is imperative that we start looking for ways to make sure our Nuclear Stations are part of the REV initiative and operate well into the future. All state officials need to take note as to what was said were today in order to secure New York State's future to supply safe, reliable, low emission power and continue to provide employment that helps support and grow the economy."

Hundreds of highly skilled men and women from across Central and Upstate New York are currently employed at FitzPatrick, with salaries that average over $80,000. With an additional 1,000 specialty jobs created at the plant during its biannual fueling, these technical jobs support a great number of Oswego County families.

FitzPatrick also provides upwards of $18 million in property tax revenue and makes thousands of dollars in charitable contributions annually to local community events and not-for-profit organizations in the region.

Community members are encouraged to tweet #SaveFitzPatrick to support keeping the plant in Central New York.

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