Wind Power and the Environment

a Letter to the Editor of the East Hampton Star

Dear David,

The summer months have been very hot and humid with temperatures consistently above normal. With many of the pandemic crowds sheltering in place and needing air conditioning, demand for electricity increased dramatically. Temporary diesel generators such as those at the Cove Hollow Road substation were called into action.

Diesel fuel is a fossil and byproducts of diesel fuel include carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2).

CO2 causes global warming as the heat generated by the sun is retained by the earth’s atmosphere and its oceans. CO2 in the ocean interferes with the fish reproduction and shell formation. Increased air and water temperatures result in more powerful hurricanes. Climate change is melting the ice cover at the North and South poles which is causing sea level rise. 

SO2 and NO2 create acid rain which is harmful to humans, as well as plant and aquatic life. SO2 and NO2 can cause respiratory illnesses and allergies ranging from coughs, to asthma, COPD, cancer, and emphysema.

Wind power is the most environmentally friendly source of electricity generation. Wind power generates no CO2, SO2 or NO2.

We need South Fork Wind’s 15 wind turbines 35 miles east of Montauk not only for electricity but also to protect our health and our environment.

Jeremiah Mulligan
East Hampton, NY