Good morning and welcome.

I am extremely pleased that you have taken the time to join in the public dialogue that begins today on the potential for developing wind generation resources off the South Shore of Long Island. LIPA has taken a bold step forward in launching this dialogue. The development of wind generation technologies, along with a greater utilization of solar and geothermal technologies, holds great potential for Long Island.

LIPA’s Clean Energy Initiative has helped advance the application of these alternative technologies and will continue to do so for the years that come.

Many believe that alternative energy technologies can supply a significant portion of the state’s total energy resource requirements within the next decade. I too believe that is possible. It means economic savings, environmental protection and enhanced national security, if we can do this. But, we can only achieve this goal with a concerted effort on behalf of the utilities, advocacy groups, environmentalists, consumers and regulators.

The application of new ideas requires new thinking. We all need to be willing to engage in an active dialogue that can lead to new concepts, such as the development of offshore wind generation through the maze of developmental acceptance and application phases.

I’m pleased that New York has been a leader in alternative energy technology development. We’ve taken bold steps to develop wind generation technology in New York State. LIPA is taking the next bold step in advancing the concept off the waters of Long Island, and LIPA has initiated an open public dialogue about this.

Each of you attending today’s meeting must be commended for your interest in this important initiative. The possible application of offshore wind technology to help meet Long Island's energy resource demand could advance under the combined efforts of all of you.

You are leaders; you are stakeholders in your community. You share a common concern for Long Island and its environment. Your combined energies will help advance the ultimate utilization of wind generation resources to the benefit of all of Long Island.

Clearly, the consensus achieved by this gathering today will chart the course for the development of possible off shore wind generation tomorrow.

I wish you success in your discussions and look forward to working with all of you in the future on many innovative alternate energy initiatives. Thank you and have a wonderful, meeting and dialogue.