Lawler pushes Indian Point nuclear restart as Conley vows clean-energy alternatives in NY race

In a recent interview, Rep. Mike Lawler highlighted Indian Point’s existing transmission infrastructure as a ready-made solution to the Hudson Valley’s rising power bills, which have surged 58 % since the plant’s closure under former Gov. Andrew Cuomo. He condemned Democratic rival Cait Conley for dismissing the plant and suggested she is beholden to radical climate groups. Conley, who helped close Indian Point while serving as lieutenant governor, now opposes any reopening, calling the site “broken and decrepit,” and instead pushes for clean-energy investments such as solar, wind, geothermal and the Champlain Hudson Power Express hydro line from Quebec.

Lawler toured the site with U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright earlier this year, urging Gov. Kathy Hochul to reconsider. The race in New York’s 17th congressional district is viewed as highly competitive, with the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia and the Cook Political Report labeling it a toss-up, while one outlet Power Rankings recently shifted to “Lean D.” Both campaigns cite the state’s high electricity costs, ranking third nationally, as a central campaign issue.