Published August 6, 2025
Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced plans to build a new nuclear power plant in New York State—the first in a generation. In this episode of Urban Green Live, we’re joined by the man responsible for building and operating that new nuclear facility, Justin Driscoll, President and CEO of the New York Power Authority.
Listen in to learn more about the state’s plans to use nuclear energy as a fossil-fuel-free approach to electrical generation. Hear about the project timelines, operating considerations, and the latest technologies.
Speakers
Justin Driscoll
President and CEO, New York Power Authority
Justin E. Driscoll is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the New York Power Authority (NYPA), the nation’s largest state-owned electric utility. He is responsible for developing and implementing the statewide utility’s strategic vision and mission, and for overseeing its operations, legal and financial matters, and relationships with external stakeholders. He is also responsible for the operation of the New York State Canal System. Justin supervises NYPA’s 17 generation facilities and 1,550 circuit-miles of high voltage transmission, as well as its role as an energy efficiency project developer and as energy supplier for its governmental customers, including New York City, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the New York City Housing Authority, state agencies and local governments.
John Mandyck
CEO, Urban Green Council
John Mandyck joined Urban Green Council in 2018 as its first-ever CEO. He capped a 25-year career as Chief Sustainability Officer for United Technologies Corporation, a Fortune 45 global leader in the building, aerospace and food refrigeration industries. He also serves as a Visiting Scientist at the Harvard University T.H. Chan School of Public Health and an Adjunct Professor at the University of Connecticut School of Business. John is the founding chair of the Corporate Advisory Board for the World Green Building Council, a former board chair of Urban Green, and co-author of the book Food Foolish.
Key Takeaways
–> The demand for electricity is increasing, requiring new generation sources. New nuclear technology, with innovations like small modular reactors (SMRs), is a potential pathway to meeting this demand without relying on fossil fuels.
–> Community engagement is vital for the successful siting of new nuclear plants.
–> Workforce development is essential for building and operating new nuclear facilities.
Keynote conversation w/ Rory Christian
Rory Christian, Chair and CEO of NYS Public Service Commission, discusses how NYC can achieve a just transition to sustainable energy.
Decarbonizing Con Edison’s district steam (w/ Matthew Ketschke)
Hear from Con Edison President Matthew Ketschke about plans to decarbonize NYC's district steam.