Most comments to Public Service show opposition to Lighthouse Wind

Editor:

Analysis of Public Comments Submitted to New York State Department of Public Service Regarding the Lighthouse Wind Project (14-F-0485).

The table below shows the results of an analysis of public comments made to the New York State Department of Public Service (NYSDPS) website in relation to the Lighthouse Wind Project as proposed for the Towns of Yates and Somerset by APEX Energy. A total of 768 comments submitted were assessed by quarter with comments tabulated and organized by support (in-favor) and opposition (opposed) to the project.

All comments made to the NYSDPS site regarding the Lighthouse Wind Project were included in the assessment and as stated, cover the time period from Q1-2015 through Q2-2016. All comments were read fully in order to ascertain position regarding the wind project. The positions were tabulated as in-favor or opposed to the project.

The results are as follows:

The overall results for this time period are as follows:

Comments In-Favor of Lighthouse Wind Project = 127
Comments Opposed to Lighthouse Wind Project = 641
% of Comments In-Favor of Lighthouse Wind Project = 16%
% of Comments Opposed to Lighthouse Wind Project = 84%

These results show a clear, ongoing and massive opposition to this project. Interestingly, these results show a greater level of opposition than have all of the previous surveys performed by: The Town of Somerset, Save Ontario Shores (SOS), The Town of Yates, The Buffalo News, The Batavia Daily News and Buffalo Business First Magazine.

These surveys averaged an approximately 70% opposed/30% in favor of Lighthouse Wind.

As a private citizen, it is clear to me that DPS comments and multiple surveys show the truth. The will of the people is clear. APEX’s Lighthouse Wind Project must not move forward. In addition and just as importantly, Article 10 must not be allowed to suppress the Home-Rule will of the people.

Thank You.
John B. Riggi
Councilman, Town of Yates