This assessment demonstrates the strategic importance of nuclear energy in meeting New England’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions under the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).  Specifically, this assessment demonstrates the importance of renewing the licenses of the Pilgrim and Vermont Yankee nuclear power plants, continuing the operation of Seabrook and Millstone 2 and 3, and building new nuclear generating capacity, if New England (the six states operate within a single regional grid) hopes to meet the RGGI CO2 emissions limit (10% reduction from 2006 levels) by the 2019 deadline.