FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 17, 2012
Contact: Kim
Teplitzky, Sierra Club, 267-307-4707 kim.teplitzky@sierraclub.org
See billboard below
Sierra Club Launches Billboards
and Online Ads Calling on LIPA to Invest in Offshore Wind
“Let’s Turn, Not Burn” calls for new clean energy generation
Uniondale, New York
– Today 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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largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with
more than 1.4 million members and supporters nationwide. The Sierra Club
works to to safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and
preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public
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