USA: Sierra Club Launches New Campaign Calling LIPA to Invest in OW

Yesterday the Sierra Club launched a robust new campaign calling on the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) to choose clean, renewable energy like offshore wind for Long Island’s energy future. LIPA is currently debating various sources for new power for its customers including new dirty energy plants and offshore wind. They are expected to announce a decision on the future of Long Island’s energy at their October 2 Board of Trustees meeting.

“This is one of the best opportunities in the nation to make offshore wind a reality,” said Lisa Dix, Senior New York Campaign Representative for the Sierra Club. “LIPA has the incredible opportunity to both make New York a clean energy leader and open the door for offshore wind across the region, but they must make the right choice in October. Offshore wind for Long Island means jobs right when we need them, a renewed commitment to the spirit of innovation that has made the Empire State a leader and clean air that will help our kids breathe easier.”

The three billboards are located at Glen Cove Rd and Old Country Rd and Seaman Ave and Carleton Place near the LIPA headquarters office. The billboards are part of a multipronged new effort by the Sierra Club that includes an online ad and petition campaign and new organizing efforts on Long Island engaging a broad coalition of supporters including local business leaders, moms and students.

The ads will run through the October 2 LIPA Board of Trustees meeting where they are expected to make an announcement about the next steps in their ongoing “Request for Proposals” (RFP) process for new power generation – a process that has already been delayed twice. The goal of the process is to identify and sign contracts to meet Long Island’s growing power needs and potentially to replace some of Long Island’s aging and dirty power plants.

“LIPA could make New York the first state in the nation to bring offshore wind to the U.S. Already, offshore wind is powering homes and businesses in Europe and China; now it’s time for Long Island to reap the benefits of this safe, reliable and healthy clean energy resource”, said Dix. “It’s exciting that Long Island, where I live, work and raise my kids has this unique opportunity to make New York a leader. We hope Governor Cuomo and LIPA will see this same opportunity and choose renewable energy that will clean up our air and meet the state’s renewable energy commitments.”

Neither the State of New York nor LIPA are currently on track to meet renewable energy goals set by the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard. The Standard sets a goal for all New York utilities to get 30% of their energy from renewable sources by 2015. While LIPA is technically exempt from the standard, the LIPA Board has committed to meet the goal. This proposal process creates one of the best opportunities for LIPA and the state to meet their renewable energy goals and begin to transition the state away from dirty and controversial energy sources like coal, nuclear and natural gas to cleaner and more responsible energy sources like wind and solar.

“Clean energy like offshore wind is a safe, reliable and healthy way to power our homes, schools and businesses. With long-term contracts for offshore wind, Long Islanders could have the peace of mind that comes with stable electricity prices and not have to worry about spiking fossil fuel costs,” said Dix.

“These new efforts by the Sierra Club are just the beginning in the fight for clean, safe and healthy energy sources for Long Island and New York – and we hope the Governor and LIPA will join us in the call to bring cleaner air, new jobs and a stronger economy to New York’s families.”

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Press Release, Septembar 18, 2012; Image: January 4, 2010