Lawmakers, activists rally again to oppose wind turbines in Lake Erie for 3rd year
Credit: Author: Andy Paden · Published: July 9, 2025 · wgrz.com ~~
The continued effort comes as downstate lawmakers again look to Lake Erie as a source for renewable energy.
A coalition of lawmakers and community activists gathered once again on the shores of Sunset Bay Wednesday for a rally to oppose the idea of placing wind turbines in Lake Erie.
It marked the third annual beach rally hosted by the group Citizens Against Wind Turbines in Lake Erie (CAWTILE), which continues to push for a permanent ban on offshore wind energy development in the Great Lakes. The event drew representatives from Erie and Chautauqua counties, alongside state and federal lawmakers, who argue that turbines in Lake Erie would bring environmental risks, health concerns and economic inefficiencies.
“This was a bad idea 15 years ago, and it’s going to continue to be a bad idea,” said State Senator George Borrello (R), who joined the rally along with Assemblyman David DiPietro, State Senator Patrick Gallivan, Erie County Legislator John Mills, Chautauqua County Legislator Tom Harmon and U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy.
The lawmakers’ opposition follows continued efforts by downstate legislators – particularly State Senator Pete Harckham of Westchester County – to explore wind energy development in the lake as part of New York’s goal to generate 70% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2025/07/10/lawmakers-activists-rally-again-to-oppose-wind-turbines-in-lake-erie-for-3rd-year/
