What Nassau GOP members are saying about Equinor

Nassau County GOP members have recently spoken out against the state legislature and their plan to pass the Planned Offshore Wind Transmission Act — a bill that is on track to pass in Albany that would allow for Equinor’s construction miles off the coast in Long Beach.

Congressman Anthony D’Esposito said, “for too long, south shore residents have been kept in the dark surrounding Equinor’s proposed offshore wind project and the development’s impact on nearby communities.”

The project has turned heads with residents concerned about several things. In addition to worries about potential harm to marine life, a main concern surrounds the electromagnetic cables that will be run directly underneath the streets of Long Beach. The cables have been studied many times.

In a conference run by the Citizens Campaign for the Environment on these issues in May, residents could not get definitive answers from experts.

“Equinor has not been upfront or honest, and by and large, the community is against this project,” said Assemblyman Ari Brown. “Furthermore, there are health and safety concerns regarding the underground transmission lines, concerns that have not been addressed.”

“To date, satisfactory answers have not been provided,” added State Senator Patricia Canonzeri-Fitzpatrick. “Which is why I did not advance the bill I carry that would’ve allowed the project to proceed so that these issues can be properly resolved.”

Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick continued, calling it “shameful behavior” in her statement. “Not only is an outside corporation attempting to impose its will on the people of Long Island, but Governor Hochul is now enlisting the support of New York City and Albany Democrats to aid them in their effort.”

The bill has long been contentious between party lines, even before the project’s inception. The project is a result of a former state Gov. Andrew Cuomo-passed bill —the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act — which was notorious for leading the charge in meeting ambitious environmental goals.

“Despite community opposition to a bid from Equinor to build on-shore infrastructure and offshore wind turbines in Long Beach and Island Park, Equinor executives opted to meet with out-of-district Democrat legislators and the governor to impose their unilateral single-party power, ignoring ‘home rule,’” Brown added.

In advance of the bill reaching the state legislature, D’Esposito, Brown, and Canonzeri-Fitzpatrick each made sure it’s known that they are thoroughly opposed to the project.

“I call on the governor to stop silencing the voices of South Shore residents,” added D’Esposito. “She should cease her attempts to do the bidding of Equinor in the face of community opposition to the company’s offshore wind project plan.”