Why not just implement more energy efficiency/ conservation?
Both New York state and LIPA have some of the most aggressive energy efficiency programs in the country. Despite these very aggressive programs, overall electricity demand continues to increase on an annual basis. LIPAs Energy Plan 2004 to 2013 analyzes energy needs on Long Island over a 10-year period. Education programs and demand side management coupled with energy efficiency are not sufficient to meet the demand for electricity on Long Island. Energy development is necessary to meet the demand, and the Wind Project is part of LIPAs program to meet this demand. From 1999 through December 31, 2005, LIPAs Clean Energy Initiative, including Research and Development efforts, has resulted in 1,344 gigawatt hours of energy saved and/or produced, which resulted in reduced emissions of 938,598 tons of carbon dioxide, 1,336 tons of nitrogen oxides and 4,305 tons of sulfur dioxides.
