JCC Forum Addresses Rising Need for Nuclear Energy Education

Jefferson Community College (JCC), in collaboration with Assemblyman Scott Gray (116th District), hosted a community forum on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, to address public interest and questions surrounding advanced nuclear energy. The event was held in Sturtz Theater and brought together residents, students, industry experts, and local officials for an open discussion about how emerging nuclear technologies may shape the North Country’s energy and economic future.

The forum took place at a timely moment, coinciding with the Center for Community Studies’ (CCS) release of survey results specifically related to advanced nuclear energy. The CCS completed a major public-opinion survey this fall across Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence, and Oswego counties, which revealed a clear community need: most residents feel they require more information before forming an opinion about advanced nuclear energy. According to the survey, more than 60 percent of regional respondents said they “need to learn more,” indicating a strong desire for education and dialogue. To expand understanding beyond the region, the CCS also conducted a statewide survey in early November, giving New York leaders a broader picture of how residents across the state view advanced nuclear technology. 

During the forum, CCS staff presented highlights of the local and statewide results, setting the stage for the evening’s conversation. Panelists with expertise in nuclear engineering, energy policy, and economic development explained how advanced nuclear reactors differ from traditional systems, addressed community questions regarding safety, waste management, and electricity affordability, and discussed how new energy technologies could impact jobs and long-term economic opportunities in the North Country. Audience members participated in a question-and-answer session that underscored both the community’s curiosity and the importance of continued education on the topic.

"Jefferson Community College is proud to serve as a forum for thoughtful, fact-based discussion on topics that matter to our community,” says Daniel J. Dupee, II, President. “By sharing these survey results and hosting this conversation on advanced nuclear energy, we’re helping residents access the information they need to engage in meaningful dialogue and make informed decisions about the future of energy in our region."

“By hosting this forum, Jefferson Community College continues its mission of serving as a center for community learning and civic engagement, ensuring North Country residents have access to current information as New York considers future energy options,” says Joel LaLone, Director, Center for Community Studies at JCC.

The advanced nuclear survey is part of the CCS’s long-standing commitment to providing reliable data to help inform public dialogue and results are currently available on the college’s website. The full four-county regional survey results will be released to the public in December 2025, offering additional detail on public perceptions, concerns, and priorities related to nuclear energy and other community topics.