Lakes Before Turbines: Langworthy says no wind farms on Lake Erie

Congressman Langworthy Calls on Governor Hochul to Implement Moratorium on Wind Turbines in Lake Erie

HAMBURG, NY – Today,Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) hosted a press conference opposing wind turbines in Lake Erie, highlighting his Lakes Before Turbines Act (H.R. 426) and calling on Governor Hochul to place a moratorium on future wind projects in Lake Erie. He was joined by local officials from Hamburg, Citizens Against Wind Turbines in Lake Erie, and the Southtowns Walleye Association of WNY.

“Wind turbines do not belong on the shorelines of our Great Lakes,” said Congressman Langworthy. “They are expensive, unreliable, and would harm the lake’s precious ecosystem while having a negligible impact on our energy supply. This is not something that our community needs or wants; my constituents have been clear about that.”

Langworthy continued, “Today, I’m calling on Governor Hochul to place a state moratorium on Great Lakes wind projects and all future proposals. If she’s really still a Western New Yorker at heart, she will understand this will help no one in this community, and this will not help her achieve her agenda.”

In January 2023, Congressman Langworthy introduced H.R. 426, the Lakes Before Turbines Act, as his inaugural legislative effort, keeping his promise to constituents. This landmark bill seeks to eliminate tax credits for the construction of wind farms on any of the Great Lakes.

During the press conference, Congressman Langworthy’s efforts were applauded by Assemblyman Joe Giglio, Assemblyman David DiPietro, CAWTILE members and constituents.

Assemblyman Joe Giglio stated, “This lake was in bad shape when I was growing up; it’s one hundred percent better now, and we want to keep it that way. They can find energy for downstate somewhere else.”

“Our lake is so precious to us, we cannot ruin it. We cannot ruin our drinking water,” said Patty Meckes of CAWTILE. “Together, we can stand up against wind turbines. Not now, not ever.”

During his speech, Congressman Langworthy referred to a previous statement from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), saying, “At present, Great Lakes wind does not offer a unique, critical or cost-effective contribution toward the achievement of New York’s Climate Act goals.”

The full text of H.R. 426 can be found here. The livestream of the press conference can be found here.