Natural gas, clean energy, rodeos at UBS Arena
Wind turbines of South Fork Wind are seen off the coast of Block Island, Rhode Island. Credit: AP/Seth Wenig
Short gains in gas, long harm for all
There is no basis for reconsidering the zombie Northeast Supply Enhancement fracked gas pipeline [“Natural gas project may have new life,” Long Island, Sept. 20]. Our area is not suffering from a gas shortage, and the buildup of new gas infrastructure will balloon costs for consumers.
If new gas is needed, we don’t have gas plants to use it, and logistics of building new ones are daunting, with multiyear waits for turbines.
While saving Empire Wind was admirable, Gov. Kathy Hochul is trying to appease President Donald Trump with a bad deal for Long Islanders. Instead of saddling us with a costly pipeline, she should get the Cap-and-Invest program out of mothballs and invest in clean energy. Look at South Fork Wind. According to the company, in November 2024, its capacity factor was 56%, relatively consistent with baseload generators.
The Public Service Commission has greenlighted the pipeline, but the state Department of Environmental Conservation must reject it based on environmental and water quality grounds. There is no reason to reach a different conclusion.
— Alden Pearl, Valley Stream
Bulls are treated like rock stars
A reader repeated common misconceptions about a sport that brings enjoyment to millions — including last weekend at Elmont [“Stop inhumane rodeos at UBS Arena,” Letters, Sept. 23].
Bovines used by Professional Bull Riders are not “forced” to buck. These animals are not shocked, cut, prodded, or otherwise agitated. Bucking is in their bloodlines, a registered cattle breed with documented genetics known as the American Bucking Bull.
The Bulls are animal athletes treated like the sport’s true rock stars. They get excellent care and generally live long, relaxing lives after retirement. Compared to the short lives of most male bovines, this is an animal welfare success story everyone should support.
— Andrew Giangola, Manhattan
The writer is vice president for strategic communications of Professional Bull Riders.
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