Halting Long Island wind project, comparing Ed Romaine and Bruce Blakeman

Wind project halt angers LIers

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s decision to halt construction of the Empire Wind project contradicts President Donald Trump’s “Unleashing American Energy” executive order, which seeks “to encourage energy exploration and production on Federal lands and waters, including on the Outer Continental Shelf” “Feds order LI wind project halt,” News, April 17].

If energy dominance is to be a national priority, the federal government should not be unnecessarily delaying a project that will provide clean and reliable power to more than 500,000 homes. Empire Wind was awarded its lease by the first Trump administration and has complied with a litany of federal environmental approvals under both Republican and Democratic administrations.

If Burgum — or Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, for that matter — has evidence of “serious deficiencies” within those approvals, they should be shared with the public immediately. Otherwise, this “pause,” which does not include a deadline, could erode the public’s confidence in the administration’s ability to meet our country’s growing energy needs and discourage international investment in an industry that employs thousands of Americans.

The Department of the Interior should expedite its review, allow the Empire Wind project to proceed, and remove other hurdles currently facing the offshore wind industry.

— Harrison Bench, Sayville

The writer is deputy executive director of Students for Climate Action.

Long Islanders should resist efforts to block the Empire Wind project, which represents a major step in reducing our greenhouse gas emissions. It also promises to bring new jobs to Long Island. The project was vetted and approved during the last administration. Doug Burgum cited a barrage of unsubstantiated suspicions about the review process. His apparent goal is to end the project entirely, part of this administration’s aim of dismantling all wind energy initiatives.

Our region is already experiencing sea level rise and flooding from climate change. Gov. Kathy Hochul has slammed Donald Trump’s efforts to derail this project, and all of our local elected representatives should join this effort.

— Bridget Nixdorf, Islip Terrace

Donald Trump’s order to halt the construction of the wind farm is a blatant case of federal government overreach and is irrational. Trump claims to support energy independence, job creation, and states’ rights. His power play on Long Island does just the opposite. As she did with congestion pricing, Kathy Hochul must again strong-arm Trump to defend New Yorkers’ rights to decide what’s best for New York. We won’t be bullied.

— Karen C. Higgins, Massapequa Park

I was struck by the public officials’ embarrassing words. Specifically, their quotes are hyperbolic and vague. This is another punishing Trump administration rollback of anything initiated by the previous administration that was competent and served the public good. America needs to wake up to their division and hate that harms us all.

— Ken Feifer, Massapequa

I find it disturbing that the current administration is cutting environmental pollution regulations that will increase toxic pollution while fast-tracking coal, oil, and fracking projects. At the same time, this administration is blocking solar and wind energy projects. We have an opportunity to be the world leader in efficient and clean energy, but we’re choosing to burn more coal and oil instead?

It will be our children and grandchildren who suffer the consequences of these ill-advised and shortsighted actions. When I go to the beach and view wind turbines on the horizon, I won’t be seeing them as an eyesore but as an opportunity to take a breath of clean air.

— Jim Baumert, West Islip

Differences between 2 county executives

The contrast between Long Island’s two county executives couldn’t be greater.

In his State of the County speech, Suffolk County Executive Edward P. Romaine, a Republican, talked about working together in a bipartisan way with the legislature to address Suffolk’s “challenges ahead” [“Exec touts his priorities in 2nd State of the County speech,” News, April 9].

Romaine looks to avoid piercing the tax cap, addressing opioid funds distribution and treatment options, and improving Suffolk infrastructure and public safety as some major goals.

On the other hand, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, another Republican, created his own security force, has done nothing to change the property tax process except continually freeze the tax rolls, has let potholes reign on Nassau streets, has focused on limiting participation of transgender athletes in sports, and pledges his fidelity to President Donald Trump and his undemocratic policies.

One is a leader, and the other is a follower.

— Phil Cicciari, Port Washington