River RATs and Renewable Energy
River RATs is supportive of the realistic and rational development of renewable energy sources. However, appropriate considerations for generation type, location, technology, as well as impacts to the community, economy, and environment must be considered. Resident support and Social License must also be analyzed to determine project suitability. These considerations must form part of any proposed solar, wind, biofuel, or hydroelectric project.
We appreciate Governor Cuomo's admirable "50 by 30" 2030 Clean Energy Standard to offer a balance of all energy sources. Saying that, we have serious concerns. The convenient label of “Renewable Energy” or “Green Energy” does not give Social License to harm local communities, the environment, or other important sustainability objectives. Not all renewable energy sources are "Green" or appropriate in all locations.
River RATs is not in concept opposed to wind energy development. Despite concerns about health, safety, environmental effects, and a business model that requires long-term federal tax and financial subsidies to survive, many communities have welcomed and endorsed industrial wind. Communities that welcome and support the wind industry, and where wind energy is a compatible use, are potentially appropriate locations for the careful development of wind energy resources.
Specific to Horse Creek, this means that “Home Rule” and our local communities’ concerns about the health, safety, economics, and the environment should not be ignored, dismissed, and superseded by the powers of the Article 10 process. If renewable energy development is proposed in the 1000 Islands, other technologies such as solar, biofuel, or expanded hydropower would be far superior and sustainable alternatives.
Moreover, the project's obvious incompatibility with the 1000 Islands and Jefferson County community would serve as the national poster-child for poor renewable energy planning and damage the industry's efforts for more appropriately-sited potential wind projects.
When all these factors are taken into account, Horse Creek is clearly an extremely inappropriate wind energy project. In no way does Horse Creek serve the best interests of the 1000 Islands, Jefferson County or the State of New York.
We appreciate Governor Cuomo's admirable "50 by 30" 2030 Clean Energy Standard to offer a balance of all energy sources. Saying that, we have serious concerns. The convenient label of “Renewable Energy” or “Green Energy” does not give Social License to harm local communities, the environment, or other important sustainability objectives. Not all renewable energy sources are "Green" or appropriate in all locations.
River RATs is not in concept opposed to wind energy development. Despite concerns about health, safety, environmental effects, and a business model that requires long-term federal tax and financial subsidies to survive, many communities have welcomed and endorsed industrial wind. Communities that welcome and support the wind industry, and where wind energy is a compatible use, are potentially appropriate locations for the careful development of wind energy resources.
Specific to Horse Creek, this means that “Home Rule” and our local communities’ concerns about the health, safety, economics, and the environment should not be ignored, dismissed, and superseded by the powers of the Article 10 process. If renewable energy development is proposed in the 1000 Islands, other technologies such as solar, biofuel, or expanded hydropower would be far superior and sustainable alternatives.
Moreover, the project's obvious incompatibility with the 1000 Islands and Jefferson County community would serve as the national poster-child for poor renewable energy planning and damage the industry's efforts for more appropriately-sited potential wind projects.
When all these factors are taken into account, Horse Creek is clearly an extremely inappropriate wind energy project. In no way does Horse Creek serve the best interests of the 1000 Islands, Jefferson County or the State of New York.
