Thu Sep 26 13:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Windmills Don’t Blow in New York: Governor Hochul’s Green Job Claims Face Reality Check

**New York, NY** – While Governor Kathy Hochul touts the “energy transition” and the creation of “zillions” of “green jobs” during Climate Week, the reality on the ground is far less rosy. Critics are questioning the efficacy and practicality of the state’s renewable energy policies, pointing to the unreliable performance of wind farms and the continued reliance on fossil fuels.

Hochul boasted at a Climate Week event that New York is “opening the doors to underrepresented communities” in the green energy sector, but her claims have been met with skepticism. Some critics argue that these jobs require specialized skills, and that promoting diversity should not come at the expense of competence.

Despite the Governor’s optimistic pronouncements, data shows that New York still generates 64% of its electricity from fossil fuels. Wind and solar contribute a meager 5%, with wind farms often inactive for extended periods, even on windy days. One observer reported seeing windmills stationary 80% of the time during a recent trip, suggesting that maintenance issues, rather than wind availability, may be a factor in their inefficiency.

The reliance on wind and solar energy has also raised concerns about grid reliability. Observers have noted that wind farms frequently cease operation at dusk, just when they are supposed to be picking up the slack from solar energy. This has raised questions about the availability of “spinning reserve” to ensure a consistent energy supply.

Critics are pointing to the economic realities of wind and solar energy. The requirement for energy providers to purchase Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) to meet government mandates, even when those sources are unreliable, is seen as a form of “green cronyism” that ultimately inflates costs for consumers.

The overall effectiveness of the state’s green energy policies is being questioned, with some pointing to the experience of other countries, like Spain, Germany, and England, where the transition to renewable energy has led to significant job losses.

Governor Hochul’s enthusiasm for the green energy transition may be admirable, but the critics are questioning the viability of her vision, pointing to the disconnect between her pronouncements and the realities of the energy market.

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