Nuclear Plant Near New York City Will Close by 2021

Gov. Andrew Cuomo made it official Monday, saying that the 2,000-megawatt Indian Point nuclear power plant will close by April 2021, with his office saying it will have "little to no effect on New Yorkers' electricity bills."

Cuomo, who has opposed the plant in Westchester County for more than 10 years, announced the agreement Monday as part of his State of the State tour.

It was signed on Sunday and includes signatures from the environmental group Riverkeeper and state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. Both had been in litigation with the plant's operator, Entergy.

Cuomo has argued that the plant's proximity to New York City and various operational and safety problems make it unsafe.

As part of the agreement, Riverkeeper and the state will end ongoing lawsuits and regulatory actions against the plant.

In exchange, Entergy has agreed to apply for a six-year license renewal instead of a 20-year one.

"I am proud to have secured this agreement with Entergy to responsibly close the facility 14 years ahead of schedule to protect the safety of all New Yorkers," Cuomo said in a release.

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