With inflation climbing and energy prices surging, a once-closed power source is back in the spotlight: the Indian Point nuclear power plant. More than four years after it was permanently shut down, the facility—currently undergoing decommissioning—is now at the center of a heated political and environmental debate.

Holtec International, the company overseeing the plant’s decommissioning, has suggested that a restart could be possible—if both state and federal leaders support the idea. While there are no formal plans to revive the plant, Holtec estimates it would take $10 billion and four years to bring the 2,000-megawatt facility back online.

Local leaders are paying attention. Buchanan Mayor Theresa Knickerbocker expressed interest, saying, “If it gets reopened, there will be a huge investment in new technology and new nuclear power, and power is needed here.”

Supporters argue that restarting Indian Point could provide a stable, reliable energy source and help ease the burden of rising electric bills. But opponents raise concerns about environmental risks and the long-term impact of nuclear energy.