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New York Governor Kathy Hochul proposed an expansion of nuclear power in the state, aiming for an additional four gigawatts, equivalent to four large nuclear plants. This initiative is part of her broader goal to increase New York's nuclear generation capacity to 8.4 gigawatts by 2025, which includes existing and previously announced projects.

A $33 billion subsidy will support four aging reactors in upstate New York for another 20 years. Critics at a recent forum raised concerns about safety, health risks, and the long construction timelines associated with nuclear power.

Alternatives like enhanced geothermal, wind, solar, and hydroelectric power were advocated as faster, cheaper, and more sustainable options. The debate underscores the tension between nuclear energy's potential role in climate strategies and the growing preference for renewable energy sources.