While any potential wind farm off the coast of Block Island is years away, the idea is already generating plenty of energy, and much of it negative. Deservedly so.

Block Island residents and homeowners are second to none in their desire for a cleaner environment, but we are also subject to some of the highest electricity rates in the country. So before we march ahead with a wind farm off the coast, we need to challenge lawmakers for answers to some fundamental questions:

1. Will a wind farm generate enough electricity (on a sustained basis) to allow for the shutdown of existing coal or oil plants on the mainland (thereby improving air quality)?

2. Will a wind farm do anything to lower (or last least halt the inflation of) our electricity rates?

3. What would be the direct benefit to Block Islanders?

4. What is the likelihood that the true cost of the wind farm will be higher than the original estimate, and the actual amount of electricity generated lower than projected?

My great fear is that in our headlong rush to political correctness and “feel good” energy, we will see neither a measurable improvement in our region’s air quality, nor any relief for electricity rates.

If we do believe wind energy is critical to our future, then at the very least we need to give serious consideration to the emerging technologies that allow for deepwater wind farms, far from our shores, such as those being proposed by Blue H and other deepwater wind energy developers.

Chris Gidez

Sheffield Farm and Fairfield, Conn.