African American Nuclear Power Plant Operators (Indian Point)

Theresa Motko and Rob Andersen help operate Indian Point as one of the safest nuclear energy facilities in the country.

Theresa is a senior systems engineer and mother of two, and she lives less than four miles from Indian Point in Buchanan, New York with her family.




Rob Andersen trained in nuclear safety during his years in the U.S. Navy. Today, he’s a control room supervisor at Indian Point, and lives with his wife and three children in the area.

From his position in the control room, Rob drills constantly with his team to safely manage the plant during the most challenging weather- and security-related events.In recent years,

Indian Point has invested $1 billion in upgrades and strengthened safety equipment and systems, making Indian Point safer than ever before.  For more information please visit: www.rightfornewyork.com  (Capital New York, 7/17/2015)

AAEA President's Letter Published in Times Union

"The reality is that existing nuclear energy plants in New York – including Indian Point – provide a number of benefits to the state, including carbon-free, reliable energy and jobs and economic growth. In New York, nuclear accounts for 61 percent of the state’s carbon-free electricity. To put that in perspective, more than 22 million metric tons of carbon dioxide are prevented by New York’s nuclear energy facilities, equal to what would be released in a year by more than 4 million passenger cars. Nuclear energy plants also provide more than a third of New York’s electricity and are the state’s only clean-air source that can produce large amounts of electricity around the clock."

(Full Letter)

Entergy: Always at the Black and Puerto Rican Annual Legislative Conference

PRESIDENT'S CORNER

By Norris McDonald

I have been attending the New York State Association of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators, Inc., Conference off and on for the past 15 years.  Although I am not crazy about going to Albany in the heart of winter, it is always well worth the trip.  It provides an opportunity for me to network with a broad combination of legislators, entrepreneurs, government officials, activists, NGO representatives and a myriad of others at the booths in the convention hall.  This year was the 44th Annual Legislative Conference. 

One thing I have noticed is that Entergy is always there.  They always have a booth that gives away great educational materials, T-shirts and I really like the water bottles.  I load up on their gear.  It is also interesting to stand with whomever is representing the company at their booth, this year it was Marva Butler, and listen to the interactions with the public.  People are always curious about nuclear power and if you can get them past the irrational fears that have been foisted on this technology, you usually get positive feedback.

Norris McDonald and Marva Butler

It was interesting when one lady came up and I asked her if she supported nuclear power. She looked at me in a strange way and then Marva started pitching the amenities of the technology.  The woman told us we were preaching to the choir.  She stated that she lived in Peekskill and was an enthusiastic supporter of Indian Point and nuclear power.  We all laughed out loud.

The New York Urban League reception was sponsored by Entergy.  Their President and CEO Arva Rice, provided a very good description of the organization's mission, goals and accomplishments.  It was also a very good reception that was well attended.

Arva Rice and Norris McDonald

We have supported Indian Point nuclear power plant for 15 years.  I remember when I first starting studying nuclear power and I ended up seeing Indian Point as the first domino that, if knocked down, could lead to other nuclear plants being closed.  That led us to launching a campaign, that continues to this day, to support this vitally important source of emission free electricity generation.

New York State Association of Black & Puerto Rican Legislators Annual Conference

AAEA Participates in Caucus Weekend 2015 Conference in Albany, New York

AAEA President Norris McDonald attended the 2015 conference and met with numerous members of of the New York State Legislature and the New York State Office of the State Comptroller.  This was the New York State Association of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators, Inc., 44th Annual Legislative Conference.

Norris McDonald at Hilton Albany Grand Ballroom

The theme of the 2015 Legislative Conference was "United We Stand: Labor, Civil Rights and Social Justice," which focuses on the diverse history of our workforce and the social, economic, and civil rights issues that played a role in defining today's workplace.  Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples-Stokes is the Chairwoman of the Association.

The Association is a nonprofit organization that brings together New York State's elected officials of color to raise funds toward college scholarships for graduating high school students of color in members' districts.  Many of the Association's members are also part of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislative Caucus - an official caucus within the state legislature that participates in the legislative and budgetary processes.

Carl Heastie, Speaker of the NYS Assembly

Assemblyman Charles Barron,& NY City Councilwoman Inez Barron

Assemblyman Michael Blake (Bronx)

While attending the conference, McDonald visited offices of Senate and Assembly members to discuss energy and environmental issues.  He met with New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie in his office. McDonald also discussed environmental justice issues with other members of the legislature at various events during the conference.

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli sponsored the 8th Annual Emerging Manager & MWBE Conference as part of the Caucus Weekend Conference.  The purpose of the Emerging Manager Program is to help the New York State Common Retirement Fund to access the next generation of talent in the investment field.  

NYS Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli

Chief Investment Officer
 Vicky Fuller (Common Retirement Fund

McDonald participated in many Caucus meetings, summits, panels, break-out sessions and receptions. The New York Urban League reception was particularly interesting and their President and CEO Arva Rice provided a very good description of the organization's mission, goals and accomplishments.

Arva Rice, President & CEO, NY Urban League

AAEA-NY Supports Liberty Port Ambrose LNG Project

Full Written Statement

AAEA New York Director Dan Durett testified before the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Maritime Administration in support of the Liberty Port Ambrose Liquefied Natural Gas Project.  The project will import natural gas into the United States and will provide diversity in energy delivery.  This gas is needed in lower New York and Long Island.

One hearing was held at the Hilton New York JFK Airport Hotel in Jamaica, New York. Approximately 150 union members attended the hearing and expressed their support for the project.

Dan Durett at the January 7, 2015 Hearing

The other hearing was held at the Sheraton Eaton Hotel in Eatontown, New Jersey.  AAEA President Norris McDonald testified before the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Maritime Administration.  Approximately 100 union members attended the hearing and expressed their support for the project.

Full Written Statement

Norris McDonald at January 8, 2015 Hearing

Norris McDonald at January 8, 2015 Hearing

Norris McDonald at January 7, 2015 Hearing

Port Ambrose is a deepwater port consisting of a submerged buoy system for natural gas deliveries that will be located in federal waters approximately 19 miles from the New York shore.  Each delivery is expected to provide an average of 400 million cubic feet of natural gas per day – enough to meet the energy needs of 1.5 million homes. The majority of these deliveries will occur during the peak demand periods of winter and summer.

Support The Liberty Port Ambrose LNG Project

AAEA - New York supports the Liberty Port Ambrose Liquefied Natural Gas Project

Port Ambrose is a deepwater port consisting of a submerged buoy system for natural gas deliveries that will be located in federal waters approximately 19 miles from the New York shore.  Each delivery is expected to provide an average of 400 million cubic feet of natural gas per day – enough to meet the energy needs of 1.5 million homes. The majority of these deliveries will occur during the peak demand periods of winter and summer.

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) supplies will arrive at Port Ambrose via specially designed Shuttle & Regasification Vessels (SRVs). Once the SRV is connected to the submerged buoy system, the LNG will be re-gasified on board and natural gas will be transferred into a new twenty-two mile subsea pipeline that will connect offshore into the existing Transco Lower New York Bay Lateral pipeline serving Long Island and New York City

The Liberty Port Ambrose Liquefied Natural Gas Project will import LNG that will be delivered from purpose-built LNG regasification vessels (LNGRVs) or Shuttle & Regasification Vessels (SRVs), vaporized on site and delivered through subsea manifolds and lateral pipelines to a buried main line connecting to the existing Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company (Transco) Lower New York Bay Lateral in New York State waters.  

On September 28, 2012, Liberty Natural Gas, LLC (Liberty), submitted an application to the

U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and the Maritime Administration (MARAD) seeking a federal license to construct, own, and operate a deepwater port for the import and regasification of liquefied natural gas in federal waters off the coasts of New York and New Jersey

As stated in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement:

The purpose for licensing LNG deepwater ports is to provide a reliable and timely supply of natural gas and increase energy diversity, while considering impacts on the environment, safety, and security.

AAEA - New York agrees with the purpose of the project.