Is New York on the right path to curtail climate change or has the state overstepped its reach?

That is the questions posed to both candidates George Borrello, Republican, Conservative, Independence and Libertarian parties endorsed candidate and Chautauqua County executive, and Austin Morgan, Democratic and Working Families parties endorsed candidate and Cornell University graduate, running in the special election during a debate at The Post-Journal earlier this month. The question was, “Is New York state on the right track with its energy policies? If not, what changes should the state consider?”

Morgan started the discussion by stating that the science is clear and that climate change is real, and steps need to be taken to curtail man’s impact on the environment.

“Climate change is made worse by the actions of man. We have to act before we hit the brink. Before Western New York looks detrimentally different by the time I’m retired,” he said. “We have to make sure our beautiful resources and region is here for the next generation. If we do not drastically change our actions, New York and Western New York will look different.”

Austin Morgan

Morgan said the implementation of renewable energy is the key. He said state officials should provide incentives to allow individuals to create their own projects so they feel like a part of the solution and not the problem. He added that he lives in the heart of a 117 wind turbine farm in the town of Freedom in Cattaraugus County. He said that project is an example of how not to invest in renewable energy.

“What we need is transparency. Industrial wind projects that can crop up here and there, communities are not liking it,” he said. “What we need to do is invest in micro-renewables. If you build a new house, you have to have renewable energy like solar panels on the roof. That is a common sense way to bring on renewable projects. That not only helps individuals to lower their energy bills, but they feel like a part of the solution.”

Borrello said New York is absolutely on the wrong track when it comes to its energy policy. He said state officials are using the climate crisis as a way to impose a radical liberal agenda.

“There are so many other things we could be doing. We need to upgrade our grid. If we did that it would mean an increase of 30% in electrical output,” he said. “Instead of putting up these monstrosities like wind turbine farms. Wind farms should not be blanketing Upstate New York. They should be closer to the source where the demand for the power is coming from and that is New York City. But the governor, and his well-heeled friends, made sure that didn’t happen, so they are coming up here and blanketing Upstate New York with wind farms and solar panels, and that is the wrong way of doing it.”

Borrello said the state could produce renewable energy with hydroelectricity with reservoirs and dams that need repairs. He said state funding could go toward repairing reservoirs and dams, where small hydroelectric plants could be implemented, which would solve two problems.

“For some reason, the governor has removed hydropower from receiving incentives,” Borrello said. “We need a common sense energy policy, which is not happening with the governor’s agenda.”

Morgan started his rebuttal by stating wind turbine projects are happening on the east side of the state closer to New York City, so city officials are taking ownership of their own problem. He also agreed that Upstate New York shouldn’t be responsible for providing New York City its power.

Again, Morgan discussed small scale renewable energy projects for individuals and families.

“It gives (the individual) ownership. If I have more solar panels on my roof and my bill goes down by half, I’m more likely to install more or even hook up with my neighbor,” he said. “We need a greener future. We need a cleaner future. Right now, with policies that we saw before this year, I’m not sure that Western New York would look the same in the future as it does right now.”

Borrello discussed the controversial SolarCity plant project in Buffalo as an example of renewable energy projects that have gone wrong under Cuomo’s watch.

“(Cuomo’s energy policy) is why we have these projects, these big abstrusities. It’s what government has brought upon us,” he said.

CLOSING STATEMENTS

At the end of the debate, The Post-Journal allowed each candidate for the 57th State Senate District an opportunity to state their case for why they should be elected Nov. 5.

Morgan said the district has been voiceless in Albany for the last eight months and will continue to be voiceless if a Democrat, who will caucus with the majority, is not elected.

“With my experience, born and raised in the small town of Freedom, N.Y., I grew up in a small white trailer on a dirt road,” he said. “I learned the value of a dollar. I’m proud of where I come from. I’m proud to be an everyday guy.”

Morgan said he would be proud to carry on former state Sen. Cathy Young’s legacy as the next representative of the 57th District.

“We’ve got to have a senator in the majority whose voice will be heard,” he said. “Albany could use a new fresh face, with new blood and new ideas.”

Borrello said his whole life, from being a small business owner to being an elected official, he has been told he won’t be able to succeed.

“I was able to compete in business, and I was able to get things done as a county legislator and as executive,” he said. “My time (in elected office) has been about action, not words. I have a track record. I have experience as a local elected official and as a small business owner.”

The 57th State Senate District covers Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua counties, and portions of Livingston County