SCHUMER ANNOUNCES SENATE APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE APPROVES HIS REQUEST FOR FUNDING FOR THE TOWN OF ISLIP SOLAR FARM PROJECT- SET TO RECEIVE $650,000
Funding Would Be Used To Construct a Solar Farm At The Bldyenburgh Road Landfill Complex
Schumer Worked Closely with Subcommittee to Include Funding In FY2011 Spending Bill
Bill Will Now Be Sent To The Full Senate Appropriations Committee
Yesterday, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that the Senate Appropriations Energy and Water Subcommittee has approved the FY11 Appropriations Bill which includes $650,000 for the Town of Islip in Suffolk County. The funding will be used to construct a photovoltaic system, or solar farm, atop the closed, capped landfill at the Blydenburgh Road Landfill Complex. Schumer worked closely with members of the Appropriations Committee to include funding for the project in this year's spending bill.
"The use of a solar farm is a great way to create clean, renewable energy while saving residents on their electricity costs," Schumer said. "This solar farm will conserve resources, reduce pollution, and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. I will fight to see this funding through the full appropriations process."
The use of solar energy as a source of electricity is a great way to offset the demand for conventionally-produced electricity. Electricity production through solar farms has fewer harmful environmental effects compared to regular electricity production. The Town of Islip is committed to implementing responsible environmental practices and this project represents an opportunity further that goal. It is estimated that over the thirty year anticipated life span, this project will help reduce the region's energy producing demands by thousands of barrels of oil, millions of pounds of coal, and hundreds of millions of cubic feet of natural gas.
Now that the bill has been approved by the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee, it will be sent to the full Senate Appropriations Committee which is set to pass the bill. Following approval by the Full Committee and the Senate, the bill will move towards Conference with the House and then to the President for signature.
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