ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — A conservative free market group has joined liberal environmental advocates criticizing New York's plan to charge ratepayers up to $7.6 billion to keep three aging upstate nuclear plants operating.
Citizens Against Corporate Bailouts director Gregg Keller says state lawmakers should reject the deal, which he says amounts to "corporate cronyism."
A spokesman for Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the group is just doing the bidding of the fossil fuel industry.
Cuomo argues the nuclear deal is vital to state efforts to reduce dependence on oil and gas as it expands renewable energy sources like wind and solar.
Keller says his organization is supported by free-market "enthusiasts" and also opposes nuclear subsidies in Illinois.
An organization spokesman did not immediately respond Friday to questions about the group's financial supporters.