Creating Clean and Green Energy Sources
The way is it: New York needs to modernize how electricity is generated. In 2005, over half of the electricity used in New York was generated by fossil fuels: 14% from coal, 16.4% from oil and 21.7% from natural gas. The same year, the remainder of power came from nuclear power reactors (28.9%), hydroelectric (17.6%), and other "renewables" (1.4%) such as biomass and wind. These numbers vary from year to year depending on a number of factors, such as fuels prices and amount demanded.
Brown to Green: While wind is among the least utilized energy resources now, it is emissions free and the fastest growing source of electricity in New York, the nation, and on the globe. To help make sure the electricity mix has more green power in it, the Pataki administration created a standard that requires about one-quarter of the electricity sold in New York State come from clean renewable sources - like wind, solar and small hydro ‚ by 2013. Governor Spitzer has been committed to making this program work and expanding renewable generating technologies built in New York State.
Clean renewable technologies are good for the environment, consumers and the economy. The main benefits are:
No Pollution ‚ They are emissions-free, so it does not cause heart attacks, mercury poisoning, respiratory problems, acid rain or global warming.
Stable Prices ‚ The price of these types or electricity is in the project's construction and ongoing maintenance. They do not rely on the price of fuel, driven by a volatile market to set the price. This provides a stabilizing effect on energy prices.
New Jobs ‚ During the construction of renewable energy projects, there will be short-term construction jobs, which can be filled by local community members. For instance, at least one permanent job is usually added for every 10-20 wind turbines built.
Learn more about purchasing green power.
The individual consumer must be part of the transformation of how energy is generated in New York State. Yet, there are a number of questions on renewable technology, the price and where to go to buy clean and green electricity. NYPIRG put together a resource guide to help answer these questions.
Learn more about fast growing wind power.
Wind projects impact the communities where they are built to varying degrees and in different ways, potentially positively or negatively. For instance, a wind project can change the view-shed and contribute to the local tax base. As more projects have been built and technological advances have been made, experience has been gained to mitigate potential negative impacts and maximize the benefits.
FACT SHEETS:
Wind Basics
Frequently Asked Questions
Myths & Facts About Wind Energy
Comparing Sources of Power
Visual and Sound
Wildlife
Land Use
Learn more about the Long Island Off-Shore Wind Proposal
The Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) has proposed constructing 40 turbines off Long Island's south shore. These turbines would be capable of generating approximately 140 MW (megawatts) of electricity, or enough to power 44,000 homes. The turbines would be located at least 3.6 miles from land, southeast of Jones Beach and southwest of Robert Moses State Park. The turbines sit on 260 foot towers with blades 182 feet long.
NYPIRG and other members of Wind Works 4 Long Island support the Long Island Power Authority's offshore wind turbine proposal moving through the impact analysis and public comment processes, and will ensure that environmental and public concerns are properly addressed.
For additional information on the proposal go to: LIPA (http://www.lipa.state.ny.us/cei/offshore.html) and/or WW4LI (http://www.windworks4li.org/)
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