There has been a lot of talk about green energy, clean energy, and carbon-free energy lately. In Queens, talk of installing a windmill farm offshore in the Rockaways has the backing of several of our local officials.
I am firmly against this for multiple reasons.
The 300-foot units would destroy the ocean view, while the life of the blades is only 15 years, and the blades are not recyclable, There will be significant maintenance and upkeep costs, as well as possible industrial grade oil leaks.
The could also impact coastal bird populations in Jamaica Bay, as well as local ocean fish and migratory routes.
These concerns need to be truthfully addressed and alternative concepts introduced, which brings us to a modern invention being developed in research labs around the world.
Wave energy uses the constant tidal flow to produce the same amounts of electricity as wind turbines. Floating on or just under the surface, a 24-hour flow of clean efficient energy is, in my opinion, the best way to reduce our carbon footprint.
We need to rethink and invest in ways to meet our future energy needs and gradually make reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.
Wind energy is only produced when the wind blows. Solar energy panels only produce energy when the sun is out. Wave energy is produced indefinitely.
The devices that have been tested show each unit can produce enough energy to power 2,000 homes.
Let’s invest wisely for our future generations, and safely bring about the energy change that is needed to save Earth from its demise.
Thomas J. Zmich is the Republican candidate for Queens borough president.
