A current topic I think you should be writing about is the decision LIPA will be making on October 2nd regarding the production of offshore wind projects on the island.
I am thrilled with the notion that Long Island is in the position to become a leader in clean energy by implementing an offshore wind project. As the first project of it's kind in the United States, Long Island would not only be taking initiative to build a clean energy economy, but would also be taking initiative to fulfill what many citizens believe is a moral obligation.
During my time as a college student, I founded and became president of a sustainability organization dedicated to raising environmental awareness and organizing "green" projects. The group began on campus and has since spread to the local community. What started as an impossible idea has grown into a well supported and highly regarded campus affiliation. The pride that the other students and myself have taken in our efforts is unexplainable. We worked (and continue to work) tirelessly at making small differences that will amount to big change, however imagine the difference that can be made by beginning this clean air concept in the United States.
As global citizens, we must ban together to look at the big picture. No expense is too great when health and wellbeing of all human kind is at stake. The opportunity to make positive changes in terms of sustainability is in our hands right here on Long Island. That is amazing. I would hate to see LIPA miss this chance and limit us to dirty energy contracts. If anyone out there is still unsure, consider this; in addition to being a clean alternative, the offshore wind project would be an investment that would utilize a resource that will never run out and will always be FREE, a refreshing change from fossil fuel. At this price, we cannot afford to put our precious environment and health at risk.
Danielle Trakoval
Editor's Note: For more information on wind energy, click here.
but is a great idea! Also being lost is harvesting the heat from the waste and turning that to energy. The future sure has alot of work to do.....
Long Island is in a prime pathway of migration, and many wind turbines would act as "bird Cusinarts" if they are wrongly placed. A very long and detailed study by USFWS - and made to be assuredly objective and free of the wind industry and LIPA and members of Congress - will be necessary. Perhaps it may become possible (though I personally doubt it, as migrating birds are easily spooked) to do more tunneling and less open-trench installations through the habitat areas. But there are some unknowns - at least unknown to most of the public - about electronic radiation effects of buried high transmission line risks, and not only to migratory bird habitat but to some residents of the South Shore whose beach/near beach homes would be above those transmission lines, even if successfully tunneled rather than trench-installed. You see, Mr Gillen, there are some serious problems to be considered.
The Lumber industry lobbies DC hard to maintain stick constuction. Hey, it's they're livelyhood!). The trades prefer stick as the method of construction.
Deborah, the article you point to speaks about fuel cells... very expensive technology. However, it has a higher efficiency rating than traditional reciprocating engines. Long term when demand for fuel cells go up, prices will come down a lot. Right now, nothing is better (or easier) than adding a couple of CATS to each wastewater facility.
I wouldn't say that resultant bird mortality is extreme in ALL cases, as siting of a wind farm, and the particular technology used, are critical factors. But, just as in nuclear power, things can be designed badly, and present disastrous consequences. But, for you to deny the impact, regardless of design and technology and siting, is deeply troubling. Certainly feral cats, and domestic cats allowed to roam, and collisions with structures, are other sources of bird mortality, but to deny the impact of wind turbines improperly sited and designed......?????? Aside form that point about collisions, you have not addressed the issue of habitat disruption, degradation, and destruction. On the points about potential bird mortality from collisions with wind turbines, I would invite anyone to view sites such as the following: http://policy.audubon.org/audubon-congressional-testimony-wind-power http://policy.audubon.org/wind-power-overview-0 http://mag.audubon.org/articles/climate/putting-wind-turbines-out-wildlifes-way http://www.fws.gov/habitatconservation/windpower/Wind_Turbine_Guidelines_Advisory_Committee_Recommendations_Secretary.pdf http://www.wind-watch.org/faq-wildlife.php