About 70 protesters gathered outside the Schuyler County Courthouse Monday evening to voice opposition to the county’s inclusion on a New York Power Authority list of potential sites for a proposed nuclear energy project.
The group chanted “rescind the bid” outside the building before attending the County Legislature’s monthly meeting, where they raised concerns about health, safety, and environmental impacts.
Several legislators listened to the comments, while one county official clarified that Schuyler County had not submitted a formal bid. Instead, the county responded to a New York Power Authority Request for Information, which was issued to gauge interest among communities across the state.
Schuyler County Partnership for Economic Development Executive Director Judy McKinney Cherry addressed the protesters and reiterated that the county does not currently meet the requirements for a one-gigawatt nuclear facility.
She also emphasized that any potential nuclear development in New York State would be years away and would depend on future technological advancements that make facilities smaller and safer.
McKinney Cherry told the Odessa File she understands and shares the desire to protect the environment and explained that the county’s response to the Request for Information was intended to keep Schuyler County on the state’s radar as it works to grow its economy.
“We want the state to know we’re here and open for business,” she said.
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