New York’s wind energy has given us a lot to be grateful for.
A new report by Environment New York, “Wind Power for a Cleaner America,” shows that wind energy in New York is already avoiding carbon pollution equivalent to taking 382,203 cars off the road. In addition to reducing global warming pollution, wind energy in the state is also avoiding 1,724 tons of smog-causing nitrogen oxides, which contribute to asthma, and 2,130 tons of sulfur dioxide, a major component of acid rain.
If wind development continues at its current pace, we could reap the same benefits over the next five years.
These benefits have made wind power a key component of President Barack Obama’s Climate Action Plan, which seeks to reduce global warming pollution 17 percent by 2020.
Federal incentives for wind — the investment tax credit and the production tax credit — are largely responsible for wind’s success, but are set to expire at the end of 2013. To curb global warming pollution and prevent future extreme weather events like Hurricane Sandy, U.S. Sens. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) should continue to be champions for clean energy.
I call on our U.S. House of Representatives delegation to do everything within its power to extend these critical clean energy incentives before the end of the year.
Melanie Calero
Environment New York
Manhattan
