RantCrush Top 5: January 9, 2017

This morning, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo confirmed some good news—the state has agreed to shut down the Indian Point nuclear power plant by 2021. Cuomo has been working toward this for the past 15 years, arguing that having a nuclear reactor so close to a huge, metropolitan hub is not a very smart idea. The plant is located barely 30 miles north of New York City. With the Fukushima disaster still fresh, it is easy to understand those concerns.

For 15 years, I have been deeply concerned by safety violations at Indian Point, especially given its location. We’re going to shut it down. pic.twitter.com/e0b71Y0URZ

— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) January 9, 2017

But supporters of the plant have argued that there is no alternative that could provide all of New York City with clean, low-cost energy. Cuomo’s counterargument is that by 2021, there will be more than enough renewable energy available, such as hydropower, so that the cost increase for consumers will be “negligible.”

Emma Von Zeipel

Emma Von Zeipel is a staff writer at Law Street Media. She is originally from one of the islands of Stockholm, Sweden. After working for Democratic Voice of Burma in Thailand, she ended up in New York City. She has a BA in journalism from Stockholm University and is passionate about human rights, good books, horses, and European chocolate. Contact Emma at EVonZeipel@LawStreetMedia.com.