THE WESTCHESTER BRIEF
Monday, March 16, 2026
The federal government wants to reopen Indian Point. Westchester says no.
The Feds Want to Reopen Indian Point
On March 6th, Congressman Mike Lawler and U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright stood at the shuttered Indian Point Energy Center in Buchanan and announced a plan to rebuild and reopen the nuclear facility. Wright estimated the cost at a little more than ten billion dollars over five years. A revived plant could generate 2.2 gigawatts—enough to power 1.5 million homes.
Buchanan Mayor Theresa Knickerbocker called the closure a mistake and supports reopening. But a legal agreement from 2021 requires unanimous consent from five parties: Buchanan, Cortlandt, Westchester County, New York State, and the Hendrick Hudson School District.
County Executive Ken Jenkins said flatly that reopening is not welcome. Governor Hochul said the same. That means at least two of the five are firm nos.
Why it matters: Lawler has introduced legislation to create a federal pathway for restarting decommissioned plants—potentially bypassing local consent entirely. If that bill advances, this becomes a fight over who gets to decide what happens in your backyard. And the plant sits near two active seismic zones, including the Ramapo Fault that produced an earthquake in Sleepy Hollow just four days later.
Listen to the full story on today's episode at www.iliveheremedia.com
Rabid Coyote Alert: A coyote in Eastchester/Bronxville tested positive for rabies after attacking three people and six dogs on March 9th near Siwanoy Country Club and Twin Lakes Park. The animal was euthanized but health officials warn more may be in the area. Report bites to (914) 813-5000.
Peekskill Gets Clean Transit Pilot: NYSERDA awarded $3 million for a zero-emission micro transit service deploying up to five electric vehicles in Peekskill, Cortlandt, Buchanan, Verplanck, and Montrose. The three-year pilot connects residents to Metro-North and Bee-Line bus routes.
White Plains Housing Lottery: The lottery for 68 affordable condominiums at 99 Church Street in White Plains closes today. Units available to households at or below 100% AMI. Move-ins expected July 2026. Apply at homeseeker.westchestergov.com.
One More Thing
If the federal government can override a local consent agreement on nuclear power, what other local decisions are vulnerable? Reply to this email with your take. We read every note.
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