The Blueprint:
The Long Island Lobby Coalition requested over $1 billion in funding from Albany to address regional needs.
The coalition includes small business owners, civic leaders, labor, environmental groups, and transportation advocates.
Funding requests include support for chambers of commerce, wastewater, solar power, affordable housing, and transportation improvements.
The coalition met with bipartisan state senators, assembly members, and Governor Hochul’s policy team.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s strikes on Iran and ensuing oil price increases are reigniting a debate over the wisdom of ramping up domestic oil drilling while deemphasizing renewable energy sources.
Clean energy advocates say the conflict in Iran — which has increased oil prices by 40% globally since the United States and Israel launched a joint strike on Feb. 28, according to industry monitor GasBuddy — underscores the need to reduce the country’s reliance on oil and gas by investing in renewable energy sources. But Trump and Department of Energy officials maintain that the strikes on Iran will be short-lived and energy prices will quickly stabilize.
SOURCE:
March 12, 2026
More than 200 middle and high school students from across Long Island gathered at Stony Brook University for the 2026 Long Island Youth Climate Summit, an event designed to motivate and empower the next generation of climate leaders.
Held on March 10 in the Student Activities Center Ballroom, the summit brought together students from 13 schools across Nassau and Suffolk Counties for presentations, panels and sessions focused on climate science, activism, careers and solutions.
The event was hosted by Students for Climate Action and Renewable Energy Long Island, two local nonprofit organizations that promote clean and sustainable energy use across the region, and supported by partners including Stony Brook Workforce Development and Collaborative for the Earth (C4E).’
Melissa Parrott, executive director of Renewable Energy Long Island, welcomed students and addressed the purpose of the event.
“Our theme of the day is climate optimism, and we have a wonderful guest speaker that’s going to really motivate and change the way we think,” Parrott said. She introduced Adrienne Esposito, executive director and co-founder of Citizens Campaign for the Environment, who opened the summit with a talk about activism and the growing problem of misinformation surrounding environmental issues. “By being here, you are also acting as activists,” Esposito told the audience. “What does that mean? Activism gets a bad rap, but it simply means someone who desires change, and that is a good thing.”
Esposito encouraged students to recognize the power of participation and civic engagement.
“You matter. Your voice matters,” she said. “If you ever have a chance to go to a community meeting or a public meeting, even if you’re not the type of person who wants to stand up and speak, that’s fine. Just show up. Just being there in numbers causes elected officials to take notice that people care.
She also urged students to be aware of misinformation, especially on social media.
“Reading it doesn’t mean it’s true,” Esposito said. “Facebook is not a belief system. It’s just a social media tool. It’s really hard right now to fight climate change. But you are the generation we’re fighting for.”
Throughout the morning, students heard from advocates, researchers and industry leaders about the challenges of climate change and the many ways young people can become involved in solutions.
The keynote address was delivered by Heather White, an author, environmental policy expert and founder of One Green Thing, an organization focused on addressing climate anxiety through everyday action.
“Hope and joy are not naive,” White said. “They are defiant. Because we are the ones that are going to get us through this. No one is coming to save us. It’s up to all of us.”
White spoke about the emotional toll climate change can take on young people, a phenomenon often called eco anxiety, the title of White’s book on the topic.
“The American Psychological Association defines this as a chronic fear of environmental doom,” she said. “And in my view, eco anxiety is just a generalized anxiety about the future that my generation is leading you all and the future that you’re leading the next generation.
To help students feel empowered rather than overwhelmed, White introduced a concept she calls a “service superpower,” encouraging individuals to identify the strengths they bring to climate action.
“The fact is, you do matter, because every single one of us are culture change agents,” White said. “You are influential in your family, in your community, in your schools.”
Students then participated in an exercise to identify their own “superpowers,” and joined breakout groups with those who share their superpower to discuss how they could apply their strengths to environmental advocacy community engagement.
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine spoke to students about issues critical to the Long Island area, including solar energy, the removal of garbage off Long Island and railroad infrastructure.
The summit also highlighted career opportunities in climate and clean energy fields through a panel discussion featuring industry leaders, advocates and educators.
Chad Marvin of the Long Island Clean Energy Hub encouraged students to begin building experience early.
“When you get to the point when you come out of college, if you’re going to pursue a four-year degree, you are looking at job descriptions that are already requiring X years of experience, and you can fulfill that through the opportunities that are available for youth, which are volunteering and internships,” Marvin said.
Caroline Grattan of Applied Energy Services advised students not to become overwhelmed by the number of career options available.
“So many options are ahead of you, but if you have a bunch, just go with it, explore your options and you’ll figure it out,” she said.
Ryan Stanton of the Long Island Federation of Labor emphasized the importance of growth and learning through new experiences.
“Look at the New York State Department of Labor website for apprenticeships for unions and be coachable,” Stanton said. “Stay humble and put yourself in spaces and places that make you uncomfortable.”
Sydney LeGuillow of the Haugland Group encouraged students to follow their interests.
“Stick to your passions but don’t put too much pressure on yourself,” she said. “That will come over time. Just pursue what you’re passionate about.”
Adam Charboneau, lecturer in Stony Brook’s School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, offered more general guidance.
“I say that to slow down, enjoy the moments and see the world,” Charboneau said. “Do it as a child would. It’s a set of gifts. Don’t get over-transactionary or over-transactional.”
Parrott emphasized the importance of collective action.
“This has been such an opportunity to show students that there’s a way forward,” she said. “It could be through education, it could be through passion, it could be through motivation that they’re not alone.”
Parrott also reminded students that the work ahead will require commitment and collaboration.
“There’s a lot of work to do,” added Parrott. “It’s going to be hard, but we can do it.”
— Beth Squire
WASHINGTON — As a four-term congressman, Republican Lee Zeldin played a key role in the yearslong bipartisan push to save Plum Island, off Long Island’s North Fork, from potential commercial development. He helped secure funding for clean water projects in his Suffolk district. And he spoke out against a 2018 proposal to permit offshore drilling in the Atlantic Ocean.
SOURCE:
https://www.amityvillerecord.com/articles/lipa-suffolk-county-partner-on-industrial-solar-analysis/
By CAROLYN JAMES - January 22, 2206
The Long Island Power Authority and Suffolk County have launched a new partnership to evaluate large-scale solar energy opportunities across major industrial areas in the county.
One study is to evaluate different business models, including traditional behind-the-meter systems and front-of-the-meter models where rooftop space is leased to developers, and to identify which structures best balance benefits for property owners, businesses, and the broader grid.
The project, announced Jan. 14 by LIPA CEO Carrie Meek Gallagher and Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, will analyze rooftop solar potential, grid capacity, and permitting processes in key commercial zones. A consultant will be selected through a newly developed Request for Qualifications process.
Target areas include the Long Island Innovation Park at Hauppauge, Route 110 Corridor, Heartland Business Center in Brentwood, MacArthur Business Park, Brookhaven Rail Terminal, and Wyandanch.
The analysis will use geospatial and engineering data. The plan is reach out to municipalities, property owners and industrial associations to identify regulatory barriers.
For property owners and tenants, benefits can include:
•Lower electricity costs if the solar serves on-site load behind the meter.
•Lease revenue if a property owner leases rooftop space to a solar developer.
•Increased property value and marketability from hosting clean energy infrastructure.
•Potential participation in programs that recognize the system value of solar in constrained areas.
For the electric system and customers more broadly:
•Reduced peak demand and stress on local infrastructure.
•Improved reliability in constrained or high-load areas.
•Potential long-term cost avoidance by deferring or reducing the need for grid upgrades.
“We have the largest industrial parks east of the Mississippi; the second largest in the United States,” Romaine said as he discussed the benefit of solar energy at a recent Long Island Association breakfast. “That’s a lot of flat rooftops that can be used to collect solar energy, so we want to provide incentives.”
He added that the collaboration with LIPA “will help unlock the potential of our industrial areas to support clean energy, reduce business costs, and create a more resilient energy future.”
The Request for Proposals was issued January 16 with final proposals due February 6. A LIPA spokesman said the award is expected to be made around mid March.
Babylon Town Supervisor Richard Schaffer said he has spoken to the county and LIPA about the plan which, would include businesses in Wyandanch, primarily along Wyandanch Avenue between Straight Path and Belmont Avenue.
“Solar residents have been very happy with the success of having solar panels on their homes and it has not only saved them money but also provided additional energy for the grid,” said Schaffer. “I believe our local businesses would also save money with these solar leases and also help provide the additional energy we need here on Long Island. now and into the future.”
Environmental and clean energy groups praised the effort.
“Industrial rooftops are among New York’s most underused solar opportunities,” said Noah Ginsburg of NYSEIA. Julie Tighe of the New York League of Conservation Voters called it a “scalable, cost-effective model” for development. Adrienne Esposito of Citizens Campaign for the Environment said the effort could help reduce reliance on aging power plants.
Larger issue, supe says, is what comes after the closure
On Jan. 8, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, DEC, extended the deadline for completion of the Corrective Measures Assessment period and Report submission to ensure a complete assessment and adequate public engagement for the Town of Brookhaven’s landfill closure.
According to the DEC, the town must host a public meeting and conclude their assessment by April 15, 2026, and submit the Corrective Measures Assessment Report by May 1, 2026, a three-month extension from previous requirements.
The Long Island Power Authority and Suffolk County have launched a new partnership to evaluate large-scale solar energy opportunities across major industrial areas in the county.
The project, announced Jan. 14 by LIPA CEO Carrie Meek Gallagher and Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, will analyze rooftop solar potential, grid capacity, and permitting processes in key commercial zones. A consultant will be selected through a newly developed Request for Qualifications process.
Experts warn New York could face energy shortages as early as 2027.
Offshore wind offers clean, reliable power and price stability.
South Fork Wind Farm already powers 70,000 Long Island homes.
Upgraded transmission and new wind projects are urgently needed.
This fall, New Yorkers across the state showed up and spoke up to demand clean, affordable, reliable, safe and healthy energy infrastructure during the state’s energy plan hearings. Tragically, the Trump administration is wreaking havoc on our nation’s clean energy progress, making it more important than ever for New York to step up and lead the way to the sustainable, resilient system we need. Right now, we’re not on track.
On Sept. 29, a mix of grassroots organizers, student activists, utility workers, elected officials, and environmental professionals voiced varying priorities at the New York State draft energy plan hearing at Stony Brook University. The university saw multiple outdoor rallies in addition to 2 ½ hours of public comments on the 15-year plan, with concerns covering jobs, affordability, environmental safety, and more.
The atomic age is perpetually on the verge of dawning.
Nuclear power is a political winner — but not a money saver. Just ask Tim Echols.
Echols’ term on the Georgia Public Service Commission is up this year, and unlike most states, his position is an elected one.
He says the Vogtle nuclear plant has been a campaign issue — it’s hiked customers’ bills by about 12 percent since coming fully online last year, $21 billion over budget and seven years behind schedule — but that his opponents haven’t been able to weaponize it. He won his Republican primary resoundingly last month.
WASHINGTON — Halfway through his first year back in office, President Donald Trump has the green light from the Republican-majority Congress to move ahead on major parts of his domestic agenda.
The sprawling budget bill Congress passed this week, which Trump signed into law at a July Fourth White House ceremony, will touch Long Island in a variety of ways — from the economy to the environment, from health care access to immigration enforcement — and will be at the center of next year’s midterm elections, said Lawrence Levy, executive dean of Hofstra University’s National Center for Suburban Studies.
Environmentalists, labor leaders, government officials and solar energy companies all welcomed the appointment of Carrie Meek Gallagher to lead the Long Island Power Authority.
It would probably be difficult to imagine someone with a background better suited to leading LIPA than Gallagher, who takes the helm on July 7. She has more than 25 years of experience in public service, energy regulation and environmental policy — including time monitoring LIPA.
The MTA has requested and received another extension to complete its $10 purchase of a 40-acre Port Jefferson Station property for a future LIRR train station, Suffolk County officials said Tuesday.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority had faced a June 30 deadline to close on the deal after two previous deadlines had passed in June and December last year.
As the Democrats on the Ways and Means Committee reported, the “GOP Tax Scam” cuts nearly $1 trillion from the health care system – effectively chipping away if not repealing entirely the Affordable Care Act - eliminating health coverage for at least 13.7 million Americans including 1.5 million New Yorkers.
Approximately 300 students from 17 local high schools and at least one middle school gathered April 4 for the first Long Island Youth Climate Summit at Stony Brook University. Organized by Students for Climate Action and Renewable Energy Long Island, the event centered on environmental education and advocacy, with students encouraged to get involved with grassroots.
He once talked about the need to fight climate change. Now, he embraces Elon Musk, lavishes praise on the president and strives to stand out in a MAGA world.
When President Trump’s cabinet secretaries clashed with Elon Musk this month over the billionaire’s chain saw approach to shrinking government, Lee Zeldin, the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, made it clear where he stood.
