Assemblyman Ari Brown (R-Cedarhurst), ranking Minority member on the Assembly Local Governments Committee, has been fielding calls from residents and local elected leaders regarding concerns related to the Equinor offshore wind project. The project has recently received large-scale opposition from local residents due to confusion of the true net benefit to the community.

“It seems there are no definitive answers regarding potential environmental impacts, an agreement not to apply for a PILOT on real property taxes and, most importantly, a plan to improve community outreach and assess the true financial community ‘benefit’ of these projects,” Brown said. “There seems to be a lack of transparency of facts on many levels, and I am very concerned the community would lose control over final decision making. We must value the input of local residents wholeheartedly. My office is monitoring the discussions and issues and will not allow the project to move forward until all community concerns are addressed.”

Under the goals of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), New York state is mandated to achieve 10 gigawatts of power directly from offshore wind sources by 2035. According to Norwegian-based Equinor’s plan, the Empire Wind project will consist of Empire Wind 1, which will supply power to the Brooklyn area, and Empire Wind 2, which will power the Long Beach area and connect to the E.F. Barrett Power Station in Island Park.

“To be clear, I am in favor of renewable clean energy, but it must be under the terms, wants and wishes of the community – Home Rule. We will continue to meet with the community and Equinor and hope to come to a quick solution that realizes the maximum benefits for the community”.