Assemblyman Ari Brown (R-Cedarhurst) continues to raise concerns over back-door channeling to undermine residents of the 20th Assembly District. Despite community opposition to a bid from Equinor to build on-shore infrastructure and offshore wind turbines in Long Beach and Island Park, Equinor execs opted to meet with out-of-district Majority legislators and the governor to impose their unilateral single-party power, ignoring “home rule.”

“The governor ignored the community’s wishes and went to an out-of-town Brooklyn Senator to get this done, to impose her will by introducing bill S.6218. Equinor has not been upfront or honest, and by and large, the community is against this project. Congressman D’Esposito, Sen. Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick and I stand firm to do the will of our constituents, the residents most affected by this project. I’m working with all of my Assembly colleagues to prevent this bill from coming to the Assembly floor for potential passage.

“Offshore wind is not necessarily cost-effective, and the forecasts of rapidly declining costs through increasing economies of scale are unrealistic. These subsidies, along with the need for additional transmission infrastructure and backup sources of electricity, are likely to increase the cost of electricity for consumers and reduce economic growth. A wind farm off of our beautiful south shore will also reduce property values for homes and other properties. Furthermore, there are health and safety concerns regarding the underground transmission lines, concerns that have not been addressed. These subsidies will benefit a well-connected few while imposing economic costs on consumers and businesses at large,” Brown said.