Opinions & Observations: We cannot support solar projects without fighting against fracked gas
I read with great interest the February 26, 2021 article “Public school rooftop array project to add to Brooklyn’s vibrant solar sector” and was glad to see this initiative considering the abysmal impact pollution from gas power plants have on communities.
Let’s build momentum towards clean energy. The proposed rooftop solar project is a positive initiative for Brooklyn, allowing a shift from the reliance on polluting fracked gas. Mentioned in the article was Governor Cuomo’s goal for 70 percent renewable energy by 2030.
At the same time, there is a fracked gas power plant proposed by Astoria Generating Company, to be built in Brooklyn on the Gowanus Bay. How will adding this power plant contribute to this goal of a shift to renewable energy? Allowing this fracked gas power plant to be built fundamentally contradicts the efforts to support the school-based solar energy installation. Investing in polluting power plants harms communities by worsening air quality – leading to conditions like asthma and heart disease. These children that will be learning about the benefits of solar energy directly, would also be breathing polluted air.
Brooklyn Boro
View MoreNew York City’s most populous borough, Brooklyn, is home to nearly 2.6 million residents. If Brooklyn were an independent city it would be the fourth largest city in the United States. While Brooklyn has become the epitome of ‘cool and hip’ in recent years, for those that were born here, raised families here and improved communities over the years, Brooklyn has never been ‘uncool’.