Three Mile Island Seeks to Draw More Water from Susquehanna River

Public hearing scheduled on Constellation Energy's request to increase water withdrawal for nuclear plant restart.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:09pm

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A highly structured abstract painting in muted greens, blues, and browns, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals, conceptually representing the complex water flows and ecological systems of the Susquehanna River basin.The Susquehanna River Basin Commission must weigh the environmental impact of increased water withdrawals against the economic benefits of restarting the Three Mile Island nuclear plant.Harrisburg Today

The Susquehanna River Basin Commission will hold a public hearing on April 23 to consider Constellation Energy's application to withdraw up to 73.2 million gallons of water per day from the Susquehanna River, a significant increase from the current 44 million gallons per day, as part of the company's effort to restart the Three Mile Island nuclear power station, now called the Crane Clean Energy Center.

Why it matters

The restart of the Three Mile Island nuclear plant, which was shut down after the 1979 partial meltdown, has been a long-standing goal for the local community and energy industry. However, the increased water withdrawal raises environmental concerns about the impact on the Susquehanna River watershed, which provides drinking water and supports local ecosystems.

The details

Constellation Energy is seeking to increase its daily water withdrawal from the Susquehanna River from 6 million gallons to 21 million gallons as part of its plan to restart the Three Mile Island nuclear power station. The Susquehanna River Basin Commission, which regulates water use in the watershed, will hold a public hearing on April 23 to gather input on the 15 applications, including Constellation's, that will be voted on at the commission's June 4 meeting.

  • The public hearing is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
  • The Susquehanna River Basin Commission will vote on the applications, including Constellation's, at its June 4, 2026 meeting.

The players

Susquehanna River Basin Commission

The regulatory body responsible for managing water use in the Susquehanna River watershed, which includes parts of Pennsylvania, New York, and Maryland.

Constellation Energy

The energy company that owns the Three Mile Island nuclear power station, now called the Crane Clean Energy Center, and is seeking to restart the facility.

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What they’re saying

“The hearing is the only opportunity to offer oral comments on the applications.”

— Jason E. Oyler, General Counsel and Secretary to the Susquehanna River Basin Commission

What’s next

The Susquehanna River Basin Commission will vote on Constellation Energy's application and the other 14 applications at its June 4, 2026 meeting.

The takeaway

The public hearing on Constellation Energy's request to significantly increase water withdrawal from the Susquehanna River for the Three Mile Island nuclear plant restart highlights the complex environmental and regulatory challenges involved in reviving the facility, which has been dormant since the 1979 partial meltdown.