Clean energy, Harris vs. Trump

I’m optimistic and excited that Sunrise Wind is moving ahead [“Sunrise Wind developer marks start of Suffolk onshore construction,” News, July 19]. Offshore wind is a critically important component of our shift to clean, safe energy.

Exciting, too, is that Gov. Kathy Hochul announced New York’s fifth offshore wind solicitation, with strict environmental and labor standards and fisheries mitigation, and on a tight deadline to make up for time lost by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Offshore wind is Long Island’s future. It’s time to realize that using gas and oil for energy has no future that doesn’t damage human health and life and the world around us through warming the atmosphere and oceans.

— Morgan McLenan, Freeport

Catastrophic climate- and weather-related events occur with disturbing regularity. If we’re going to make any progress in combating climate change, we must address some critical areas that consume huge amounts of energy, energy still being largely supplied by burning fossil fuels.

The number of air-conditioning units worldwide is projected to triple by 2050 under current policies. Scientists predict that by 2040 almost 50% of electric power produced worldwide will be used for computing.

It’s impossible to stop technology and reverse the digitalization of our world. As a result, sadly, we’re losing our battle against climate change.

Unless we begin an immediate, accelerated, high-priority effort to do everything we can to ensure that the great majority of electricity that powers these things comes from wind, solar, hydropower, geothermal, and even nuclear power plants, and focus on implementing widespread, modern electric grids to deliver green energy from those sources, the world will continue to warm, and climate-related catastrophes like we’ve been having will increase dramatically in years ahead. . . .

— Paul Richman, Nissequogue

Despite fossil fuel and nuclear proponents’ rhetoric, the facts make it clear that the state plans to replace our dirty, outdated energy system with one that is far less expensive and unquestionably reliable, with proven technologies that exist today [“Fossil fuel laws targeted,” News, July 1].

We need to execute an affordable emissions reduction strategy that makes the most sense. National Grid is vying to raise rates to maintain the same level of service. Additionally, New Yorkers are still saddled with the nuclear profitability bailout on their utility bill since 2017, which a transition to renewables would have prevented.

Maybe that’s why fossil fuel and nuclear proponents think that affordable big wind energy is a problem — for them.

— Maheen Sayeed, Holtsville

Critics argue that rather than reducing gas usage, an “all-of-the above” emissions reduction strategy makes more sense. The only pathway that really makes sense is to reduce fossil fuel use as soon as possible due to environmental and public health issues.

We know that producing and transporting gas emits methane, which captures 80 times as much heat as carbon dioxide over 20 years; that gas emits nitrogen oxides that contribute to ozone; and that living near wells is associated with cancer, worsening asthma and pulmonary and cardiovascular issues.

— Karen Zilber, Kings Park

’24 race shouldn’t be a popularity contest

Unlike elections in public schools in which students vote for class president based purely on popularity, not a platform, our elections for president should not simply be based upon popularity [“Delegates flock to Harris; $81M raised in day,” News, July 22].

We cannot elect a president because only certain boxes get checked, such as having already been elected as a president, senator or district attorney, or meeting the qualifications of diversity, equity and inclusion.

What are the ideas, plans and vision? The president has ultimate power on the global stage in which only the most capable should be considered.

Only a powerful and decisive leader should be elected. The president also is the symbol of protector of democratic ideals set forth by our Founding Fathers. Both the Democratic and Republican parties have gotten this wrong. This shouldn’t be a popularity contest.

— Andrew Jassin, Oceanside

So, Rep. Harriet Hageman said about Vice President Kamala Harris, “Intellectually, just really kind of bottom of the barrel” “GOP: Don’t attack Harris with prejudice,” News, July 25]. Yet she supports a candidate who believes windmills cause cancer. Hageman’s statement is a racist and sexist dog whistle, what House Speaker Mike Johnson said Republicans should avoid.

— Paul Schaefer, Smithtown

How pathetic and telling that Mike Johnson had to warn fellow Republicans not to use race or gender as themes in attacks on Kamala Harris. Is he scared of their natural impulses? That’s a bad technique in a year when your pretense is to respect others to try to suck in some undecided voters.

— Stephanie Lapasota, Huntington Station

President Joe Biden stepped away long after he should have been honest about his declining cognitive condition, then anointed Kamala Harris as heir. The Democrats and some in the media are trying to make Harris look like an attractive candidate — while America is vulnerable to our adversaries.

— Donald Miller, Riverhead

I’m sorry to see Joe Biden leave. He has been an honorable president and should be proud of all his accomplishments. Near the end, he knew that the stakes were too high to let his personal ambitions get in the way, and he did something that few politicians have ever done — he put country over self.

— Ann Leahy, Wantagh

A reader wrote that former President Donald Trump sent a strong message to Hamas: The hostages better be returned before he assumes office or Hamas “will be paying a very big price” [“Readers’ takes on GOP convention,” Letters, July 21].

Really? Trump seems to be ignoring that since Oct. 7, Israel’s campaign has been aimed at destroying Hamas and rescuing the hostages.

And I am outraged that Trump repeatedly uses the word “hostages” about those incarcerated after their violent actions toward law enforcement officers on Jan. 6, 2021.

“Hostages” have been taken by force to secure kidnappers’ demands. People who attack officers and are convicted are criminals who go to jail.

— Carol Krupinski, Plainview