PSC Approves Sale Of Indian Point To Holtec

BUCHANAN, NY — The New York State Public Service Commission approved the sale of the Indian Point nuclear power facility to Holtec International subsidiaries.

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced Wednesday the approval which was a negotiated agreement by the state, Westchester County, local governments, Public Utility Law Project, Riverkeeper, Entergy, which is the former owner of the power plant, and Holtec, the decommissioning company.

The agreement allows the transfer of the nuclear power facility to Holtec for a complete and safe decommissioning and site remediation.

Cuomo said, as governor and previously as attorney general, he's long been concerned about the safety of Indian Point given its proximity to some of the most densely populated areas in the nation.

"After years of relentless work with our federal, state and local partners, we have finally been able to close it safely and responsibly and will now move on to the decommissioning phase," he said.

"This is a win for the health and safety of New Yorkers, and the protection of our environment," Cuomo said.

Buchanan Mayor Theresa Knickerbocker said the approval from the PSC was the next step in the process after Indian Point ceased all operations April 30.

"Now the sale can go forward to Holtec, and we move on to the decommissioning phase," she told Patch.

Cortlandt Town Supervisor Linda D. Puglisi said the town had always expected Holtec to be named the decommissioning company.

"We've asked many important questions over the past months and will continue to do so as we go forward," she said in an email to Patch.

In 2017, Indian Point owner Entergy agreed to the closing of the two remaining operating reactors at the facility on the Hudson River in Westchester County.

Unit 2 powered down in April 2020; Unit 3 was deactivated in April.

In November 2019, Entergy and Holtec filed an application for license transfer with the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission and, separately, filed a petition asking the PSC not to exercise any jurisdiction over the sale of the Indian Point facilities and site.

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