– Statement re: LIPA’s Failures Following Superstorm Sandy

November 14, 2012

For Immediate Release: Nov 14, 2012
Travis Proulx, [email protected] , 518-462-5526 x238

Statement re: LIPA’s Failures Following Superstorm Sandy

Ross Gould, Air & Energy Program Director, Environmental Advocates Of New York

ALBANY (11/14/2012)– “It should not have taken a disaster of the magnitude of Superstorm Sandy to wake Governor Cuomo, Senator Skelos, Speaker Silver, and their appointees up to the fact that dramatic changes are critical. But it is better late than never, so long as they are serious about creating a sustainable future.

The resignation of Mike Hervey should, in no way, be seen as the silver bullet that will fix the deep problems within the Long Island Power Authority’s (LIPA) operations, and the gaping lack of leadership within its ranks.

Few locations in the country have the energy opportunities of Long Island. Yet year after year, political appointee after political appointee, the organization fails to step up to meet the challenges of a changing environment and residents’ growing energy needs. Just last month, LIPA’s board renewed long-term contracts with antiquated and polluting fossil-fueled power generators, without any meaningful action on modernizing the energy grid, or transitioning to renewable energy.

If Governor Cuomo and legislative leaders are serious about protecting LIPA, they must take responsibility for their own past actions, and develop a comprehensive, long-term plan that keeps New Yorkers safe.”

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