Letters

I live in Wainscott and I have been hearing a similar argument made by those who oppose offshore wind and the cable landing at Beach Lane.

First, they begin by saying that they are for renewable energy, that they are supportive of offshore wind. But then they stop and say, “But let’s wait. … Now is not the time.” They say, “Why rush? Why the haste?”

This project has not been rushed. It did not begin last week or last month. It has been years in the making.

I know this because I am a party to the settlement hearing — the Article 7 process — and I have been in numerous meetings and listened to hours of testimony and cross-examination. The process has been methodical. Exhaustive. Five New York State agencies participated in the hearing, along with East Hampton Town and the East Hampton Trustees. And many others.

And the opponents of this project know the process has been thorough. Because we have been in the same meetings and listened to the same testimony. And yet they repeat their argument: “Wait. Wait. Wait.”

Well, the time for waiting is over. The time to act is today.

My three children are under 10 years old. They will live to see the tricentennial of this country. I support this offshore wind project because I want a better life for them. And this project, this modest project, is a step forward to a clean energy future.

I thank the East Hampton Town Board. I thank the East Hampton Town Trustees.

Now is the time.

Michael Hansen

Wainscott