The Long Island/New York Offshore Wind Coalition includes 28 member organizations (www.windworks4li.org). The partnership includes state and national environmental, civic, business, health, labor, and other stakeholder groups working to bring the economic, public health and environmental benefits of wind energy to our region. The coalition believes that with necessary due diligence and rigorous regulatory, environmental and public review processes, Long Island can move ahead with offshore wind. An offshore wind project off of Long Island can serve as a national model in offshore wind energy production, setting the stage for a new era of clean, sustainable energy generation that will protect our health, environment and quality of life on Long Island.

Coalition Members:

reLI, Action Long Island, Alliance for Clean Energy NY, Advanced Energy Research & Technology Center, American Lung Association, CCE, Citizen Partnerships for Offshore Wind, Earth Policy Institute, Environmental Advocates of NY, Grassroots Environmental Education, Group for the East End, Hauppauge Industrial Association, Healthy Planet, Long Island Association, LI Federation of Labor, LI Metro Business Action, LI Neighborhood Network, LI Sierra Club, LI Solar Energy Industries Association, National Wildlife Federation, NRDC, NY Institute of Technology, NY League of Conservation Voters, NYPIRG, Oceana, Pace Energy & Climate Center, Sustainability Institute at Molloy College, and Union of Concerned Scientists.

TO ENERGY INDEPENDENCE: Long Island derives 90% of its electricity from dirty, fossil fuels. New York State imports 13% of its electricity, sending 53 cents of every energy dollar out of state. Wind energy does not require imported fuels from unstable countries and keeps our energy dollars at home.
TO HALT CLIMATE CHANGE:  Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxides (N2O) are produced from burning fossil fuels and contribute to global climate change. Pollution-free energy from the wind produces zero greenhouse gases, helping to reverse some of the most serious threats from climate change.

TO PUBLIC HEALTH:  Dirty fossil fuels cause harmful air pollution. Soot and particulate matter from coal, oil, and gas-fired power plants cause 1,200 premature deaths and 2,500 hearts attacks annually in New York State. Mercury emitted from fossil fueled power plants is a bioaccumlative neurotoxin that can lead to brain and nervous system damage, and can cause birth defects. Wind energy generates ZERO emissions. Clean energy brings us clean air, which protects our health!

TO SAVE OUR ENVIRONMENT:  Studies have shown that modern wind turbines that undergo rigorous environmental review and are properly sited have no significant impact on birds and the environment. Extensive studies are now being done to determine whether there might be any potential impacts at locations off of Long Island. Offshore wind parks in Europe have not resulted in significant adverse impacts to water bodies, wildlife, or marine life. In fact, studies show that birds can AVOID turbines, and offshore turbine foundations act as artificial reefs, attracting many species of fish.

Updated by tbono 1/4/12