image by phault

It sure has been a while, since my last Democracy update. At that time, I had a scheduled meeting with my Congressperson Carolyn McCarthy. I went to my meeting with her on Thurs Sept, 4th. Overall, it was a positive experience that I recommend to every Sunny Way reader out there. Each person I met at McCarthy’s office was polite, respectful and serious about the reason for my meeting.

I prepared myself by reading the 1sky platform of three imperatives: no more coal-fired plants, 5 million new green jobs, and emissions reductions of 20% of 1990 levels by 2020, and 80% by 2050. I also looked at my congressperson’s website to find out her voting history for renewable energy projects. After introductions I told her the reasons why I came: to present the 1sky policy platform and to discuss the environmental issues on Long Island, as well as the future for a more sustainable Long Island. I gave her a folder which included the 1sky platform, a list of organizations who have already signed on in support of the 1sky solutions, and the abstract page from a document on barriers to the renewable energy industry. 

After I described the three 1sky solutions, I asked if she would read them on her own and think about signing onto them. Then we spoke about several large environmental projects currently affecting Nassau County:

• The Third Track project of The LIRR
• Expansion of the Long Island Bus system
• The failed LIPA offshore wind farm
• The Lighthouse, a planned residential/shopping complex for central Nassau County

When I brought up the importance for pushing for renewable energy projects, a 1sky imperative, she noted that just 4 years ago there was a proposed wind power project spearheaded by LIPA (Long Island Power Authority), which she was in favor of. This was a very big proposal which I did not know about. This project, which was projected to be the biggest wind farm outside of Europe, was terminated by LIPA because of higher than originally estimated ratepayer costs. Other reasons why this as well as other recent wind projects have failed is a general fear of the new: higher outright construction costs, a change to the seascape view, and fears of how bird and fish wildlife will adapt to the turbines.

How interesting though that Denmark has 6 offshore wind farms. Of course they have less land to build turbines on, and wind farms on land are less expensive than those at sea. Interesting too that total cost for wind farm construction in Europe has decreased over time. Also, Long Island and Cape Cod residents have expressed fears and concerns over losing their unmarred view of the sea. European wind farms have actually become tourist attractions, boosting local economies.

In my perspective, seeing an ocean wind farm is inspiring and beautiful, as I know that the energy from it is clean, and I don’t agree that my view would be destroyed. The photos of Denmark’s off-shore wind farms are beautiful, not like the dirty images we picture when we think of conventional power plants. The turning turbines look more like site-specific art akin to Christo’s The Gates.

The problem that these projects are encountering in the US is really the fear that Americans have for how the future will change if we shift from a fossil-fuel-based energy economy to a renewables-based economy. Perceived ocean-view changes, assumptions of decreased/altered fish populations, conflict with airplane flight paths, and migratory bird flight patterns are the concerns that residents list. The next offshore wind farm project is being considered off the Delaware coast.

McCarthy stated that she was in support of the project, as were environmentalists were and local fisherman, but the residents were in opposition because of NIMBY concerns. NIMBY(Not In My BackYard) is the same reason some LI residents are opposed to the third track slotted by the LIRR to increase commuter service along the main line. Residents who own homes abutting the RR tracks are opposed to construction which is slotted to be completed in 2018. McCarthy expressed her favor for the project, and noted very calmly that yes, people’s homes/properties will be impacted, but that we can work with the plan and address the needs/concerns of constituents whose homes are right next to railroad tracks.

Local projects such as a wind farm or LIRR mass transit, while they will create changes that are inconvenient to some, will allow Long Island to continue to be an attractive place to live. The extension of the LIRR is projected to attract more young people to live on Long Island. It’s important to attract young generations to live here, as the age of homeowners is steadily rising.

It seems that the underlying problem of why Long Islanders are resisting change is culturally based. McCarthy reminded me that most residents originally moved away from crowded Brooklyn apartments seeking space and quiet in the Long Island suburbs. Therefore, when many (not all) of them hear proposals such as increasing mass transit tracks, or building wind turbines off of Jones Beach, fear sets in that their peace and quiet will change. These are assumptions. Long island will change, but if we embrace these changes, our lives will improve and our communities will be stronger. It’s very sad that the offshore wind farm was cancelled, as it could have provided lots of clean energy and also attracted a lot of interest!

Another project we discussed was the expansion of the Long Island Bus system, especially to create new routes connecting the south to the north shores. When I asked McCarthy how she envisioned the future of Long Island looking she decided to tell me about a specific residential and commercial project that is in the works called The Lighthouse. I wondered, why are so many Long Islanders willing to accept this change—a huge, LEED-certified development—but not a wind farm to power it? It’s clear we have work to do.

We spoke for about 25 minutes. Overall It was a great experience, the first time as an adult I have ever spoken to one of my elected officials. Her aide was very helpful and is willing to maintain contact with me. She recommended that I call her to learn about any new energy/environmental legislation being considered. McCarthy is interested in supporting projects of renewable energy/mass transit/alternative housing, but I wonder how far she will go to focus on those issues specifically. She understands that the main barrier is cultural conditioning, which is why many Long Islanders fear radically new projects.

When I started this Democracy challenge, I listed three items I wanted to accomplish to address the role of government in my life:
1) contacting all my friends/family about plastic bag legislation
2) signing up for wind power (support) on my utility bill
3) signing up with 1sky.

Number three became the main focus. I did sign up for wind power on my utility bill and currently on the watch for the extra charge. My plans now are to contact McCarthy’s aide to find out if she will sign on to the 1sky solutions. I have learned about sustainable projects that have been considered for Long Island, and I have also learned that the major barrier to instituting change is not any particular project itself, the fears that individuals have of what changes might look like.

We have a very big job to do. It’s not trying to find a painless plan for generating energy—it’s about creating a change in our culture, a change in our consciousness, so that we choose to grow and embrace new possibilities.