Lengthy Island, with its wealthy historical past, beautiful landscapes and vibrant communities, is a spot we’re proud to name residence. Lengthy Islanders are deeply involved in regards to the proposed Equinor wind turbine challenge, Empire Wind, and its potential to adversely have an effect on our well being, security and financial system. It’s important that we rigorously look at the implications of this challenge and the people behind it.
Equinor, previously generally known as Statoil, is 67 p.c owned by Norway and is a accomplice of BP Oil. Equinor has a doubtful previous, having been sanctioned by the Securities and Trade Fee in 2003 for bribing Iranian officers. It’s regarding that an organization with such a historical past could be concerned in a challenge of this scale on Lengthy Island. Moreover, the state sponsors of the invoice supporting Empire Wind are related to present antisemitic stances that elevate questions on their priorities and alliances.
Lengthy Island is densely populated, and a challenge of this magnitude has by no means been tried in such a setting, not to mention making landfall. Equinor’s plan to put in 345-kilovolt copper wires mere ft from residences is alarming. Equinor compares the electromagnetic discipline generated by these wires to a toaster oven, however the potential well being dangers can’t be underestimated. Statistically important research point out that even a small enhance in electromagnetic discipline publicity can double the possibilities of most cancers or leukemia, particularly amongst kids and fetuses. The proposed wires would emit 25 to 80 milligauss of EMF radiation, making it a major well being concern for our communities.
Native governments, together with the Village of Island Park and the Lengthy Seaside Metropolis Council, are vehemently against this challenge. New York is a House Rule state, and the state Public Service Fee mustn’t have the ability to override native land-use authority merely for developer comfort. The well being and security of our communities ought to at all times come first.
The supplies utilized in wind generators, equivalent to epoxy resin and glass fiber, include bisphenol A, a recognized endocrine disruptor. This substance can result in varied well being points, together with developmental issues, reproductive points, metabolic problems, and most cancers. Furthermore, 1 kilogram of bisphenol A can contaminate 10 billion liters of water.
The erosion of turbine blades would launch bisphenol A nanoparticles into the ocean, probably getting into our meals chain when fish ingest them. Rainwater can even carry these nanoparticles into our consuming water aquifer, they usually can’t be successfully filtered out. With 200 generators, every with blades so long as a soccer discipline, the potential for contamination could be substantial.
Meeting Invoice A2888, titled “Clear Power Outreach and Neighborhood Planning Program,” highlights the significance of collaboration between host communities and renewable power builders. But there was close to to no collaboration or outreach to the communities most affected. In reality, the general public outcry has not solely revealed an absence of native assist for the Equinor challenge, but in addition introduced into query whether or not, till Oct. 20, the pursuits of Lengthy Islanders have been being thought-about in any respect.
We’re deeply grateful to Gov. Kathy Hochul for listening to her suburban constituents and for vetoing the “Deliberate Offshore Wind Transmission Act” two weeks in the past. Her choice displays the ability of democracy, the place elected officers are finally accountable to their constituents.
What adopted the governor’s veto, nonetheless, was deeply troubling. Some Democratic politicians, who weren’t solely supporters of the challenge however actively fought to advance it, at the moment are attempting to say credit score for its seemingly defeat. The Nassau County Democratic Occasion chairman’s assertion that “It’s Democrats that get issues executed” is, frankly, laughable. Their efforts all through this course of have been fully in favor of pushing the Equinor challenge ahead, not consistent with the need and issues of the Lengthy Island group.
Lengthy Islanders should stay vigilant towards makes an attempt to rewrite the Empire Wind narrative for political acquire. The folks of Lengthy Island have spoken, they usually deserve the credit score for his or her unwavering dedication to preserving their well being, security, and lifestyle. It’s a triumph for democracy, a reminder that the voice of the folks can and may prevail, and a testomony to the ability of group activism. Lengthy Island’s future is dependent upon it.
Ari Brown represents the twentieth Meeting District.
