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LI Business & Labor Leaders Praise Renewable Energy
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The leaders of four major Long Island business and labor organizations today announced their support for LIPA’s commitment to build a 140 MW offshore wind energy farm, declaring that such large-scale renewable technologies are good for Long Island’s economy, workers, environment and public health.
Contacts: Gordian Raacke, Renewable Energy Long Island RELI) – (516) 313-6611 (Cell)
Adrienne Esposito, Citizens Campaign for the Environment (CCE) – (516) 390-7150
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
The leaders of four major Long Island business and labor organizations today announced their support for LIPA’s commitment to build a 140 MW offshore wind energy farm, declaring that such large-scale renewable technologies are good for Long Island’s economy, workers, environment and public health.
“The proposal to build the first offshore wind farm in America demonstrates that creating new jobs for Long Islanders and protecting the environment is not impossible”, stated Jack Kennedy, President of the Nassau/Suffolk Building and Construction Trades Council. “In fact, it is win-win for everyone. The Trades Council supports the efforts of LIPA and the Long Island Offshore Wind Initiative to bring the benefits of renewable energy to the local economy and our workers while leading the nation towards a more independent and secure energy policy.”
The offshore wind farm is one of five critical components of LIPA’s recently announced long-term comprehensive energy plan which will add 1,000 MW of new energy here on Long Island. For the last two years, the offshore wind farm proposal has been enthusiastically supported by the Long Island Offshore Wind Initiative – a unique coalition of local, regional and national environmental, civic, health and faith-based groups working with LIPA to bring the benefits of wind power to the region. They are now joined but prominent leaders of Long Island’s business and labor community who recognize that a sustainable economy is about more than dollars and cents – it must include stable, cleaner and more environmentally friendly energy supplies.
“The HIA supports the efforts of the Long Island Offshore Wind Initiative to bring clean, renewable energy to Long Island with such projects as the planned 140 MW offshore wind park”, according to Jack Kulka, Chairman of the Energy/Utilities/Infrastructure Committee of the Hauppauge Industrial Association (HIA) . “Now, more than ever, our members see an urgent need to reduce our dependence on price-volatile fossil fuels and to keep more of our energy dollars in the local economy.”
“LIMBA advocates the building of infrastructure that considers the value of the natural environment. We recognize the need for the diversity of Long Island’s power supply and the offshore wind project fits the goals of LIMBA,” adds Ernie Fazio, President of the Long Island Mid-Suffolk Business Association. “Structures built in the water enhance the growth of ocean life by providing artificial reefs for marine plants and breeding habitat for fish while having a relatively benign impact on the environment. Long Island’s economy and air quality will also benefit from local wind generated electricity. LIPA and LIOWI should be applauded for their vision and commitment to creating a cleaner, safer energy future for us all.”
The offshore wind farm will also be instrumental in meeting Governor George Pataki’s Renewable Portfolio Standard, requiring 25% of New York’s electric generation to be provided from renewable energy sources like wind and solar power, fuel cells and biomass. LIPA Chairman Richard Kessel is proud that Long Island’s 140 MW wind farm is leading the state and nation towards meeting its future goals for a diversified energy policy.
“By investing in wind energy we help the local economy and create jobs rather than sending our energy dollars to other states or overseas to buy foreign oil and natural gas,” stated LIPA Chairman Richard Kessel. “The collective support of Long Island business, labor and environmental leaders demonstrates that the time is right for this offshore wind farm.”
"The support of business and labor groups to this important project is further proof of the diverse benefits of wind farms. As more stakeholder groups examine the evidence they will agree the wind farm is great for Long Island!, "said Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment.
Renewable energy technologies, while requiring higher up-front investments have no fuel costs. Moreover, renewable energy sources have tremendous long-term benefits that outweigh the negative and costly impacts associated with fossil fuel generation on public health, the economy and our environment. According to the American Wind Energy Association, an industry group, wind energy is often cost-competitive with fossil generation and has become the fastest-growing energy source in the world, with a 66% growth rate in the U.S. in 2001.
“Tapping into this inexhaustible, clean, and domestic source of energy will help us offset the unpredictable and highly volatile price swings of oil and natural gas markets thus keeping more money in our local economy”, said Gordian Raacke, executive director Renewable Energy Long Island (RELI). “That’s why these prominent business, labor, and environmental leaders agree that wind power is an excellent investment for LIPA, Long Island’s economy and jobs, and for our environment."
“The Long Island Association is a strong advocate of state and utility programs to promote cost-effective energy conservation and renewable energy technologies in order to reduce Long Island’s almost complete dependence on fossil fuels for electric power generation,” stated Matthew Crosson, President of the Long Island Association. “The LIA feels that LIPA’s wind energy initiative is an important step in this regard. Renewable energy options on Long Island are very limited and making use of the vast wind power resources immediately off the shores of Long Island is the most economical and realistic way to bring the benefits of renewable power to Long Island at this time. We support LIPA and LIOWI’s efforts to make this initiative a reality”.
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WindWorks LI is supported by RELI, NRDC, CCE, NYPIRG, Environmental Advocates of NY, Pace University Energy Project, Greenpeace USA, Union of Concerned Scientists, SEA, EarthEcho, EarthSave LI, Long Island Neighborhood Network, Riverkeeper, Grassroots Environmental Education, NY League of Conservation Voters, Sophia Garden, P.E.A.C.E., Renew Community Earth, Residents for a More Beautiful Port Washington, Clean Energy Partnership, and Earth Policy Institute.
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