Misty IV

That's quite a bit more than I have received from any of them!!

Aw, what a shame....

Congratulations. You have successfully signed the petition: Opposition of PILOT for Upstate NY Power Corporation. You are signer #137

Received another email from one of my contacts. I mentioned to him that we, the LOU forum members, were discussing starting a petition and he sent me this link. It is a site you can start a petition and have people sign it. Look it over and maybe we can do something there, as well. http://www.thepetitionsite.com/

Just received another message from one of my contacts within Oswego County. Nice editorial write-up well worth reading from the Watertown Daily Times, 12/19, concerning the Galloo Island windfarm fallout. It truly looks like the politicians are ramming this through as fast as they can for nickels and dimes, compared to the cost for localities as spinoff effects them, is illogical. That is, unless you factor in the stimulus monies that would have to pass through Albany, and Wall Street. The image of the required lights, on the proposed turbine/towers offshore is a stunning thought. It would in effect give us "Kennedy Airport", without the noise, offshore "morning, evening and night". This comment by the writer, a Mr. Gaus, was an mind/eye-opener. http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20091219/OPINION03/312199985/-1//OPINION03

I like the idea of a petition at the LOTSA show to start with. The letter that Tom wrote up could be copied with lines added for signatures & addresses. I like that idea, as well, to get started. Perhaps, also, for those who live up around the lake, in your spare time, maybe stop in the tackle shops and businesses which are still open (like Woody's, All Seasons, Fat Nancy's, etc) and mention this to them. Be interesting to see if they even know what is going on. Sure they can get the word out to all the customers which come through, then those customers will tell their friends, and those friends will tell their friends, etc, etc.

I agree, Has Been. These politicians will do anything they can to get this passed, including, like you mentioned, having a 1pm meeting on a Sunday. As a property owner along Mexico Bay for many, many years, I have gotten used to "expecting" something to come up during the late fall & winter months. For years, the politicians have tried to do their "big" stuff during those times. Why? Because there is nobody at the lake to oppose it. Thankfully, I have neighbors who live in Oswego during the winter who are able to keep an ear to happenings. But, it is rediculous we should even have to worry things will happen to our properties and lifestyles while we aren't there to voice our opinions. This garbage has to stop!! I live 4.5 hours away from the lake, but am more than willing to take a day off from work to drive up there to voice my opinions on this disaster-to-be. I have been writing emails a lot and have been getting responses from the representatives in Oswego County. Sure they are tired of seeing my email address in their inbox, but I'm going to keep it up.

Received a web link from one of my contacts monitoring this situation. Well worth reading, as it deals with the windfarm proposal for Long Island which was shot down. http://www.savejonesbeach.com/

No signage along the lakeshore properties could be because nobody is there this time of the year. I know along our beach road, of the 75 homes, only 3 or 4 are occupied year round. This type of stuff happens every year. It's like these politicians plan to do these things when they know nobody is around to oppose the projects. Our town tried to sneak something by our association last winter because nobody was there in the middle of January to oppose it, but thanks to one of the year-rounders, the word got out and the proposed project was cut off at the pass. Politicians are sneaky and will find any way possible to get things by us without us ever knowing about it.

Exactly! Don't be afraid of these people! They are going to absolutely DESTROY what we have all come to enjoy and love to do on the lake. SPEAK UP!!! WRITE TO YOUR REPRESENTATIVES BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE!!!! I continue to write, if not every day, but every other day, to the Oswego County and local state reps. Don't focus on just local...go to the state level, as well! Be the squeaky wheel in this case! Squeak A LOT!!!!

Latest information from my contact - the Con-Job is starting: This would be the first time in recorded history that wind energy paid for itself AND improved the economy and jobs. -------------------------------------------------------------- FYI----Gov & Sen. Aubertine are backing the wind plan for the lake!!!!! Shawn > > > > GOVERNOR PATERSON ACCEPTS FINAL PLAN TO GUIDE NEW YORK TO A CLEAN > ENERGY ECONOMY > > Plan Will Help Make Energy More Affordable, Reliable & Secure for New Yorkers > > Governor Paterson Announces Legislative and Action Agenda for Energy > Policy in 2010 > > Governor David A. Paterson today accepted the final 2009 State Energy > Plan from the New York State Energy Planning Board. The Energy Plan > provides a comprehensive blueprint for New York to continue to > transition to a clean energy economy over a 10-year planning horizon, > and is the first State energy plan since 2002. The transition to a > clean energy economy is a core component of Governor Paterson’s New > Economy Jobs Plan, and is expected to create tens of thousands of jobs > in New York. > > Additionally, the recommendations and more specific action items in > the Plan will make energy more reliable, secure and affordable for New > Yorkers, address the threat of climate change and result in a cleaner > environment. > > “New York will lead the nation in the clean energy economy, and this > State Energy Plan will help us get there,†Governor Paterson said. “By > adopting the recommendations of this plan, we will ensure that New > Yorkers get energy that is more affordable and more reliable, and we > will do it in a way that recognizes that the environment needs to be > protected.†> > Modeling performed for the Plan indicates that the New York economy > would benefit by $2.60 for every dollar invested in electric > efficiency investments, and that achieving the Governor’s goal of > increasing energy efficiency 15 percent by 2015 would help reduce > electric prices and provide aggregate retail bill savings of as much > as $1.4 billion in 2015. > > The Plan identifies a number of specific policy initiatives that set > forth a vision for a robust and innovative clean energy economy that > will stimulate investment, create jobs and meet the energy needs of > residents and businesses over the next ten years. The policy > initiatives are organized by five overarching strategies: > Continue to expand opportunities to improve energy efficiency – the > cleanest, cheapest energy resource. > Support the development of in-State energy supplies. > Encourage investment in, and identify future needs for, energy infrastructure. > Stimulate innovation in the clean energy economy and help the existing > manufacturing base transition to low-carbon future. > Improve coordination between the State, other governments, and communities. > > Among the specific initiatives that Governor Paterson will propose in > 2010 include: > Improving coordination and expanding energy efficiency and renewable > energy programs across the State in support of the Governor’s ‘45 by > 15’ clean energy goal. > Submitting legislation that will establish a power plant siting > process that will provide greater certainty to developers and greater > opportunities for public involvement. > Submitting legislation to establish a long-term Power for Jobs program > and developing new selection criteria that encourage energy > efficiency. > Submitting legislation to “green†the State’s energy code and removing > loopholes that have limited the code’s effectiveness. > Developing procedures to assess and consider disproportionate > environmental burdens from energy facilities in potential > environmental justice areas. > Submitting legislation to require disclosure of energy characteristics > of buildings at the time of sale. > Working with the New York Power Authority to procure another 100 > megawatts of solar energy statewide. > Work with NYPA to bring to fruition an offshore wind project in the > Great Lakes following the issuance of its RFP in December 2009. > Work with LIPA to bring to fruition its utility-scale solar projects > following its successful 50 MW solar RFP in 2009. > Working with the Long Island Power Authority and the Long Island-New > York City Offshore Wind Collaborative to issue a request for proposals > for an offshore wind project off the coast of the Rockaways. > Ensuring stringent environmental safeguards are in place for natural > gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale gas reserves. > Releasing a Climate Action Plan that will identify strategies to > achieve an 80 percent reduction in greenhouse gas pollution by 2050. > Establishing incentives to repower existing power plants to reduce > emissions and increase power output. > > The complete 2009 State Energy Plan, which includes a detailed > implementation table and 16 in-depth issue briefs and assessments, is > available at http://www.nysenergyplan.com/. > > The Plan was prepared pursuant to Executive Order No. 2 issued by > Governor Paterson in April 2008, and follows a 60-day public comment > period and series of 9 hearings across the State to gain input on the > draft Energy Plan that was released in August of this year. > Significant feedback was provided by stakeholders; in total nearly 600 > comments were received. > > During the development of the Plan, the Governor signed legislation > that statutorily establishes the State Energy Planning Board and calls > on that Board to complete a new energy plan on or before March 15, > 2013. However, the State Energy Planning Board that was created by > Executive Order No. 2 shall exist until such time as the statutorily > created Energy Planning Board begins its planning process for the 2013 > energy plan. > > Thomas Congdon, Governor Paterson’s Deputy Secretary for Energy and > Chair of the State Energy Planning Board, said: “The 20-month planning > process was as important as the Plan itself. The process was open and > transparent and afforded hundreds of New Yorkers, organizations and > businesses the opportunity to help shape the Plan. I wish to thank the > members of the Board and their agencies, and all those that provided > comments for their role in developing such a comprehensive and > balanced piece of work. The result of this tremendous effort will > benefit all New Yorkers.†> > ### > > > The following quotes were provided in support of the 2009 State Energy Plan: > > Senator Darrel J. Aubertine, Chair of the Senate Energy and > Telecommunications Committee, said: “This State Energy Plan will > provide the important framework to help New York establish itself as > the nation’s leader in energy efficiency, development and independence > for years to come. Our goal must be to provide reliable, affordable, > clean and locally supplied energy to meet all of our needs, from > business to residential. New York State’s future will depend on new > energy sources, from a fourth nuclear reactor in Oswego County to > agricultural sources, and efficiency, through weatherization and Smart > Grid technologies, creating jobs that will also sustain our economy. I > want to thank Governor Paterson, Deputy Secretary Tom Congdon and > staff for giving all of us the opportunity to weigh in on this plan, > holding the first hearing in Canton, and providing the leadership to > make this a priority.†> > Assemblyman Kevin Cahill, Chair of the Assembly Energy Committee, > said: “The completion of Governor Paterson’s State Energy Plan and the > signing of the energy planning statute passed by the Legislature have > put New York back in the driver’s seat when developing the policies > that will guide the growth of the new energy economy. The plan’s focus > on energy independence and economic security provides us with the > foundation to build upon the significant progress we have made in the > areas of energy efficiency, clean energy and workforce development. I > commend the Governor and his staff for the hard work and time they put > into this exhaustive effort and I look forward to working with them to > ensure that it continues to evolve and grow.†> > Francis J. Murray, President and CEO of the New York State Energy > Research and Development Authority: “The State Energy Plan is concrete > demonstration of Governor Paterson’s commitment to a comprehensive > agenda of programs that will combat climate change and protect New > York’s energy and environmental future. His approach of allowing > government to be a catalyst for change, in partnership with the > private sector and academia, lays the groundwork for building a model > clean energy economy and implementing business and environmental > practices that will benefit New York for decades to come.†> > Richard M. Kessel, President and Chief Executive Officer of the New > York Power Authority, said: “The State Energy Plan is the ‘greenprint’ > we need to advance New York State as a leader in the clean energy > economy. Today marks a milestone in achieving a comprehensive and > coordinated roadmap for future energy growth and investment. Under the > leadership of Governor Paterson, the New York Power Authority will > continue to develop projects that invest in critical infrastructure > and clean energy, which will be the catalyst of New York’s economic > recovery and resurgence.†> > Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) President and CEO Kevin S. Law > said: “I commend Governor Paterson for his bold energy plan, which > will ensure that New York continues to supply reliable, safe, and > affordable energy to its residents and businesses while establishing > the goal for the state to meet 45 percent of its electricity needs > through improved energy efficiency and renewable sources by the year > 2015. As a member of the Governor’s Energy Task Force and Climate > Action Council, I look forward to working with the Governor on LIPA’s > groundbreaking energy initiatives such as LIPA’s 50 MW solar project, > our Efficiency Long Island program, and our LI-NYC offshore wind > project.†> > Public Service Commission Chairman Garry Brown said: “The State Energy > Plan provides an appropriate and much-needed look at the need for > future electric and natural gas infrastructure improvements to ensure > reliability. In addition, it emphasizes the value of strengthening > energy efficiency efforts. These actions, among others suggested, will > help ensure our citizens’ energy needs are met in a cost-effective, > reliable, and sustainable manner. The Energy Plan offers a roadmap to > help New York take control of its energy future.†> > David Crane, President and Chief Executive Officer, NRG Energy, said: > “It’s progressive, thoughtful leadership demonstrated by Governor > David Paterson and Deputy Secretary for Energy Thomas Congdon that > will help this country make meaningful changes to provide cleaner > energy. This realistic statewide energy plan provides a solid > foundation for meeting the state’s energy goals by advancing energy > efficiency, supporting the development of in-state energy supplies and > encouraging investment in energy infrastructure. NRG Energy is one of > the largest power generators in the state, and we’re making > investments in New York’s energy infrastructure that directly support > the plan’s goals – repowering our Astoria facility in New York City > with clean technology and developing emission-free offshore wind > through NRG Bluewater Wind.†> Tom King, President of National Grid in the U.S., said: “This state > energy plan is the result of a comprehensive and thoughtful process > that will now provide New York utilities, and every New Yorker, with > clear direction of what must be done to address our energy future. The > plan’s commitment to sustainability, energy efficiency and a robust > energy infrastructure, demonstrates Governor Paterson’s willingness to > place New York among the nation’s leaders on energy policy and climate > change.†> > Kevin Burke, Chairman, President and CEO of Con Edison, said: “The > Governor’s energy plan is a new milestone in our state’s effort to > provide New Yorkers with clean and reliable energy for generations to > come. Con Edison will work closely with the Governor, our legislative > leaders and state agencies to achieve the overarching goals we all > share: greenhouse gas reductions, cleaner air, more reliable power, > smart grid expansion, and energy efficiency.†> > Robert Catell, Chairman of the New York State Smart Grid Consortium, > said: “I’d like to congratulate Governor Paterson and the State Energy > Planning Board for this extraordinarily comprehensive State Energy > Plan, and particularly its recognition of the energy, consumer and > environmental benefits that can be achieved through smart grid > technology investments. The Smart Grid Consortium stands ready to work > with the Governor identifying opportunities for smart grid investment > in New York. Investment in such technologies will help the State > attract clean energy technology companies, empower customers to make > wise energy decisions and enable our electric grid to interconnect > renewable energy resources.†> > Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director of the Citizens Campaign for the > Environment (CCE), said: “The NYS Energy Plan promotes the critical > overarching goals of advancing and emphasizing energy efficiency, > conservation and renewable technologies - this is the right strategy > for New York’s sustainable energy future. Diversification of renewable > technologies and efficiency practices are highly supported by New > Yorkers who want cleaner, greener energy generation. Thousands of > members of the public commented on this plan and we applaud Governor > Paterson and his staff in their efforts to incorporate those comments. > CCE is particularly pleased with the increase to the NY Renewable > Portfolio Standard from 25% renewable electric generation to 30% by > 2015 and the renewed emphasis on promoting Article X. We urge the PSC > to adopt the 30% standard.†> > Carol E. Murphy, Executive Director of the Alliance for Clean Energy > (ACE) New York, said: “ACE NY commends the Planning Board for > recognizing that New York must develop its existing renewable energy > resources and use energy efficiently as possible if we are to reduce > greenhouse gas emissions and ensure a secure, affordable energy supply > for the future. We have already made great strides in developing a > robust renewable energy portfolio and fully support the Governor’s ‘45 > by 15’ initiative and increasing the target goal of the Renewable > Portfolio Standard (RPS) program to thirty percent.†> > Steven Nadel, Executive Director of the American Council for an > Energy-Efficient Economy, said: “New York State is again showing it is > a leader on energy policy with the publication of its new statewide > plan. The plan identifies energy efficiency as its first resource, and > includes a variety of new policies, that when implemented will take > energy efficiency in the state to the next level, saving consumers > money and, since energy efficiency measures tend to be labor > intensive, generating jobs.†> > Sue Coakley, Executive Director of Northeast Energy Efficiency > Partnerships (NEEP), said: “In adopting the State Energy Plan, the > Board has endorsed the best means available by which New York can meet > its growing energy needs, while also reducing carbon emissions, > helping consumers, businesses and communities control their energy > costs, and serving as an economic engine to grow a greener economy. > Through our policy recommendations, technical assistance and > longstanding regional collaborations with NYSERDA and the Long Island > Power Authority, NEEP offers our support to help the state implement > the plan to achieve lasting energy savings.†> > David Bomke, Executive Director of the New York Energy Consumers > Council, said: “We salute Governor Paterson and his administration for > their commitment to developing a new energy plan for New York State. > We particularly value the administration’s commitment to implementing > an extraordinarily open and engaging process to secure comments and > recommendations from a broad spectrum of New Yorkers. We are grateful > that the final plan recognizes the urgency of energy efficiency > practices and investments in eliminating energy waste and its economic > and environmental burden on New York.†> > Dr. Karin Ezbiansky Pavese, Vice President, Innovation and > Sustainability of the New York Academy of Sciences, said: “New York is > fortunate to have a State Energy Plan that establishes a long-term > vision to guide the State’s investments in its innovation economy. We > have top-tier universities, major corporate R&D facilities, a national > lab, and numerous other renowned institutions that, if leveraged > strategically, could propel the State to leadership in clean energy > technology. By surrounding these institutions with a robust innovation > system like the one laid out in the Energy Plan, we will move closer > to creating solutions to our energy challenges, improving our > environment, and fostering economic prosperity for New York State. > Central to that progress is NYSERDA, which is and will continue to be > a driving force for clean technology research and commercialization in > New York.â€

I agree! We need to get the word out!

I just received an email from an Oswego County representative, and he stated that the plans he has seen for these turbines WILL have restrictions regarding fishing around them. He mentioned these restrictions will be a part of the Homeland Security office's duties and we will NOT be permitted to fish around the turbines. Not sure how close we can get to them, but he specifically said we will not be allowed near them, according to the proposed plans. He said it will be very similar to the restrictions placed on nuclear power plants. Another thing he mentioned is that the Galloo Island plans are to run the power transmission lines through the water to Nine Mile. Get your letters and emails into the local & state representatives' offices soon.

While very true that until the actual proposals are released no real action can be taken, however, the problem here is this whole project was originally supposed to be hush-hush, but word of the meeting in Oswego leaked out and now it's out there as public knowledge. From what I have heard and been told, the NYPA is supposed to start accepting proposals for this project soon. The county & state representatives need time to prepare their rejections prior to then, and need the public's input so they have time to gather everything they need to battle this.

There are quite a few local and state representatives involved right now. Jefferson County is establishing a plan to reject this project, should it ever come up for the approval to go ahead. Oswego County has quite a few involved and none of them are for the turbines, either. The County is requesting everyone submit their concerns and questions to them for review, so they have some hard proof there is a strong backing to reject the project when the time comes. They are requesting all input be sent to them, either by mail or Email, ASAP so they have time to plan. I believe I read somewhere June 1, 2010 is the deadline for the Counties to voice their opinions. Given that, they need our input ASAP. As of Friday morning, they have heard from a large number of citizens, but very little from the fishermen. Could be because the season is over on the lake and those who fish it aren't around anymore. Somehow all of these propositions come around when there isn't anyone around to oppose it or give negative feedback (ie. winter months). You are correct that we need to get the word out. Regardless if you are for or against it, the public has a right to know these things are happening, and not have decisions being made behind our backs the way so many politicians do. The emails I have received do have some familiar names of charter captains and fishermen I know on the lake in the "send to" list, so the word is getting out, but we need to get it out there and fast!

More interesting reading. Again, notice no mention of the sportfishing industry at all. http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2009/12/power_authority_seeks_windmill.html

Yes, that is one of the links that started this. Definitely good reading, as it outlines the proposed locations of these turbines and provides pictures of the actual locations they will go. Not good for us!!!!

Latest information I have received from my contact: NYPA just announced that proposals for windfarms and transmission system(s) must be in by June 1, 2010. Politicians DO NOT know how this will effect the sports fishing industry/tourism and if they do not get this input WELL IN ADVANCE this issue will steam roll through. Shawn understands and is trying to get their attention. The topic should concern effects on the fish habitat/breeding, and the economy; otherwise it's just static noise to these guys. Shawn gets it, but Turner actually thinks he knows how you guys feel; i.e. not that concerned. Evidently only a few people have contacted him. CRACK THE WHIP NOW or we may not have enough time to stop this. It is NOT good, and will be disastrous to sports fishing, and in turn tourism. They've found that the most dangerous periods are construction and decommissioning of wind turbines, which raises so much turbidity that oxygen is used up in the water, and particulates kill the base of food chain. The evidence, while not conclusive in studies I looked at, indicates that the electromagnetic forces around cables and etc DRIVE FISH, ESPECIALLY PREDATORS, AWAY. In effect to put in windfarms for marginal benefits, will require localities to adapt to NO sports fishing industry income, and spending in their localities.

UPDATE: I've been in contact with numerous people working on preventing this project from going through and I have been asked to assist in another way. Everyone's help is needed. A friend of mine who has been following this wind farm proposal from the beginning has been asked to speak at a meeting next week to give a perspective on the effects of the wind farms on residents, property, etc. He would like to go in there with some additional ammo, and give a report on the negative effects on the fishing industry and sport, and asked me to contact everyone I know from the lake for input. So, list below any additional negatives you have about this proposed project. I gave him the link to this forum, and he is now following along the discussions we have. He needs to have all info to him by the end of the weekend. Thanks again for your help and input!