Last week, 4 energy companies responded to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) request for proposals (RFP) for 800 megawatts of offshore wind energy. The companies collectively submitted 18 separate alternatives for up to 1200 megawatts of energy. This RFP is the next step in the State’s stated goal to procure 9,000 megawatts of wind power by 2035. LIPA has already entered into a separate contract with Orsted for 130 megawatts for the Deepwater project. That project must still obtain state and federal approvals, as well as an access easement from the Town of East Hampton.

As I have stated many times, I support the development of wind energy as a means of eliminating our reliance on fossil fuels and to combat climate change. Consistent with this position, I have supported the goal of the State of New York’s REV (Reforming the Energy Vision) for the development of renewable energy, including offshore wind.

We must look at the merits of each project to insure it meets this goal and that the project avoids unacceptable, adverse impacts to our community. The public is right to demand the strictest review of every proposal, including the concerns of the commercial fishing industry and local neighborhoods impacted by new energy infrastructure on the land. Open communication and transparency are critical to insuring that New York State gets the best possible projects with the least adverse community impacts. It is expected a decision will be made on this RFP in May. I appreciate the efforts of NYSERDA to reach out to me to discuss the RFP process.

As an elected representative for eastern Long Island, these are a few of the factors that are important for the evaluation of these proposals.

• NYSERDA must select companies that see Long Island as a community, not a commodity. This means becoming part of the community, not simply writing a check.
• There must be complete and full transparency for every project. We need to know all of the details of these procurement contracts.
• We must have a complete picture about needed infrastructure, not just the impacts of the wind turbines. For example, where will the substations be? Where will the transmission lines come ashore and will they be buried on the mainland?
• Competition is good. Let’s not create a wind power monopoly. We already have an energy monopoly on Long Island with LIPA/PSEG-LI. Let’s not make that worse than it already is. Let’s have market competition for wind power in New York State. The best companies and projects will emerge.
• No one part of Long Island should bear an undue burden of the impacts of offshore wind production. The 4 companies who have made proposals have lease areas from the New York Bight to Massachusetts. Energy is a regional resource. The burdens should also be shared regionally.

Renewable energy is a positive for the region, the state, and the planet. However, it must be done right. It must be transparent. Failure to keep the public and its representatives informed, doesn’t build support for renewable energy, it erodes it.

It is my job to ask tough questions. That doesn’t mean I don’t support renewable energy. Corporations are responsible to its shareholders, not us. Nobody asked LILCO the tough questions back in the 1960’s. We’re still paying for it today.