The Queensboro Renewable Express project is at a critical juncture, with state officials facing pressures that could jeopardize its vital development.
Advocates warn that dismissing this initiative would represent a significant setback for the fight against pollution and climate change in vulnerable communities.
In a recent statement, Natalie M. Patasaw, the Environmental Justice Chair of the NYS NAACP Conference, stressed the importance of perseverance in the ongoing campaign for environmental justice, stating, “Whatever you do, you have to keep moving.”
Patasaw emphasized that to achieve a sustainable future, it is imperative for state and local leaders to champion renewable energy projects like the Queensboro Renewable Express, particularly for those communities in dire need, such as the residents of Ravenswood and Queensbridge in western Queens.
Known as “asthma alley,” this area is grappling with significant health risks linked to pollution from fossil-fuel power generation.
The state of New York has made strides with landmark legislation like the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, aimed at phasing out fossil fuels for cleaner energy alternatives.
The Queensboro Renewable Express is the first project looking to secure state permits under this new legislation, projecting to deliver enough energy from offshore wind to power over two million homes and allow for the decommissioning of the city’s largest fossil fuel power plant, thereby reducing local emissions.
However, the agency tasked with reviewing the project has raised concerns about its necessity due to delays from the Trump administration in advancing renewable energy initiatives.
If dismissed, the repercussions could extend beyond just environmental impacts; it would signal a retreat for New York in the face of federal challenges, undermining years of hard-fought progress towards sustainability and justice.
Patasaw argues that rejecting the Queensboro Renewable Express would not only prolong harmful pollution in the community but also eliminate potential job opportunities for local residents, many of whom belong to marginalized groups that have disproportionately shouldered the burdens of fossil fuel dependency.
She stressed that those communities deserve a chance to engage in the clean energy transition, fostering new, well-paying jobs in the expanding renewable energy sector.
The urgency of this project goes beyond mere emissions reduction; it embodies a commitment to economic and environmental justice, seeking to empower communities who have faced historical inequities in public policy.
Patasaw highlighted the discrepancy in land use decisions, noting that low-income neighborhoods often bear the brunt of undesirable land uses like power plants, while higher-income areas do not.
As the review process unfolds, New York’s leadership is urged to remain steadfast against federal opposition.
Patasaw made a clarion call to Governor Hochul, emphasizing the need for the state to continue its commitment to reviewing and permitting crucial projects like the Queensboro Renewable Express.
This is essential not only to ensure readiness when federal policies become more favorable but also to provide necessary support to those impacted by decades of detrimental energy policies.
In closing, Patasaw expressed her determination, stating that while the fight for environmental justice faces significant challenges, New York must stand resolute, proclaiming, “We will keep moving.”
As the state navigates through these uncertain times, the future of projects like the Queensboro Renewable Express remains a focal point in the quest for a cleaner, fairer energy landscape.
image source from：https://citylimits.org/opinion-new-york-must-keep-moving-in-the-fight-for-environmental-justice/
