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Working together with the Delaware Rural Electric Cooperative, a non-profit, community-based energy producer and distributor, plus Schoharie County government officials, the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority and host of other regional and statewide groups, an open invitation was given to the community members across the 127th Assembly District to be part of a broad public dialogue on matters of alternate energy and the future of upstate New York.
The response was overwhelming, with individuals from every county in the district represented on the tour. Over 40 calls came in the very same day the public announcement was released. In two days, a second 55-passenger tour bus had to be lined up. By the time of the tour, both buses had been filled, with a caravan of residents and the media following behind. Even with these accommodations, a list of over 50 people hoping to attend still remained at my office.
I was stunned by the response. People are clearly ready to talk about alternate energy and the future of our communities.
Participants had the opportunity to take in differing points of view from individuals and groups at each of the wind farm locations, one each at Madison, Fenner and Maple Ridge. Those on the tour were able to hear how town officials, facility directors, wind farmers and local residents felt about these projects and ask an unlimited number of questions. Throughout the trip, I encouraged everyone to engage their friends, neighbors, and accompanying energy, environmental, and consumer advocates to explore the future of New York's energy policy.
"Alternative energy is a hot topic and wind turbines provide clean and inexpensive electricity," said Elsie Allen, a Greene County farmer. "Most people who have wind turbines in their area don't find them objectionable, and they help farmers continue to keep their land and maintain open spaces, in addition to putting dollars into the local economy while combining science and art in a very majestic way."
Green initiatives remain a priority for New York over the next 25 years. By 2013, New York hopes to get 25% of its power production from alternative sources, including wind, biomass, solar and hydroelectricity.
"If New York's wind capacity was fully realized, it could provide power to more than four million homes, while reducing air pollutants that cause smog, acid rain and emissions that cause global warming," said Jackson Morris of the group Environmental Advocates.
According to Woodstock consultant Ron Leonard, New York can have the largest wind-based business enterprise of any state. In the past, the view regarding developing energy projects in the United States has been that big always meant cheaper, therefore better, projects. However, a new model is arising-the distributed "community renewables" model, in which new power projects are smaller and tightly integrated with local communities and local resources in a way that the economics become more favorable and communities are able to participate directly in some of the benefits.
"This is something we need to encourage," said Mr. Leonard. "We need to allow a level playing field with legislation that is pending in New York, like the Revised Net Metering standard, which allows two megawatts (MW) per site of renewable power to be resold back to the utility." He said that would allow local, smaller community-based projects to provide "cheap, clean power to municipalities and towns."
Recognizing the feasibility of wind power in and around the 127th Assembly District relies on "Home Rule" decision-making, and is still to be determined. The only way to provide an atmosphere for substantive and productive discussion is to have participants who are well informed.
Joining with so many people in a hands-on experience was incredibly productive. Whether or not wind power is embraced by everyone, all of those who participated in the tour understand that we need to work to find a solution for New York's growing energy demands. Our future depends on it.
Assemblyman Pete Lopez (R)represents the 127th Assembly District, which includes the towns of Livingston, Taghkanic, Gallatin, Clermont, and Germantown in Columbia County. It also extends into all or part of Greene, Ulster, Schoharie, Chenango, Delaware and Otsego counties.
