“Nassau County will be a leader in the effort to improve environmental quality, by redirecting its energy policy and requiring that energy needs be met by clean, renewable energy sources and not fossil fuels which are harmful to the environment and which increases reliance upon foreign fuel sources,” said Legislator Abrahams.

The resolution, sponsored by Legislator David Denenberg, calls for a change in the County’s purchase of energy, such as electricity, to include a growing proportion of non-polluting “green” power or renewable energy to a target of no less than 25% by the year 2010.

"We commend this proposal and LIPA will help the County achieve its goal," said LIPA Chairman Richard M. Kessel. "We are pleased that Nassau County is taking a leadership role in fostering the use of green power to help reduce power-plant emissions. LIPA's Green Choice program is a great way for municipalities, businesses and residential customers to purchase green power conveniently."

" Nassau County currently fails to meet the minimum health-based standards

for clean air, under new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency guidelines,” said Christine Fasano, New York League of Conservation Voters’ Director for State & Chapter Policy & Advocacy. “The people of Nassau County, especially our kids who are most vulnerable to air pollution, need cleaner, healthier air and greater use of renewable energy is an important step in a cleaner direction..”

“Now more than ever we realize the importance of having domestic sources of safe, clean and renewable energy,” said Gordian Raacke, executive director of Renewable Energy Long Island (RELI), the island’s only not for profit organization focusing on clean energy. The legislature is showing much needed leadership and commitment to bring pollution-free energy to Long Island and we hope that we can count on Nassau County government o lead by example.”

“Renewable energy is a safe, clean source of energy that will help lead New York and our nation towards energy independence,” stated Maureen Dolan, program coordinator for Citizens Campaign for the Environment. “It’s these types of sensible energy initiatives that can help ward off future risky proposals such as Broadwater.”

“There are 30 municipalities in New York State that are getting part or all of their power by wind,” added Keith Christensen from Community Energy.

The resolution also states that the total cost of the electric energy purchased from alternative technologies, such as wind, solar, photovoltaic, tidal, geothermal, hydro and fuel cells shall not exceed $500,000 per year.