We understand why New York lawmakers are so desperate to put wind turbines in Lake Erie. We’re not so sure why some Pennsylvania lawmakers are so enthralled with the concept.

New York lawmakers have set some incredibly aggressive targets for renewable energy use with their Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. The only way to meet the state’s demand for power is to scour the landscape for places to put wind turbines and solar panels, though Gov. Kathy Hochul is beginning to consider nuclear power as an option to meet New York’s power demand. But even New York, with its insatiable appetite for electricity, has found Lake Erie isn’t a feasible place to site wind turbines.

A feasibility study by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority released in December 2022 didn’t support the placement of turbines in the Great Lakes of Erie and Ontario based on a number of factors, including physical siting, geophysical and geohazards characterization, fixed and floating technology options, interconnection, environmental risk and benefit as well as public feedback. In reaching its conclusion, NYSERDA found that overall “Great Lakes Wind does not provide the same electric and reliability benefits that offshore wind offers” in downstate locations.

Given the Erie area’s proximity to the areas New York was looking to use in Lake Erie, we have a hard time believing the lake and the financial aspects of wind turbines in Lake Erie are that much different. Yet, Rep. Robert Merski, D-Erie, is like a bone when it comes to using Lake Erie for power generation. Last year he proposed legislation that would approve leasing submerged land underneath Lake Erie for power generation. That bill was met with questions from fellow lawmakers and the public, so Merski is asking the state Legislature to approve a resolution asking the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a study on the feasibility, benefits and drawbacks of developing hydropower, solar, and wind energy on Pennsylvania’s portion of Lake Erie.

It was surprising when New York decided not to pursue off-shore wind power on Lake Erie. You’d think that would have been a lesson to Pennsylvania lawmakers, but you’d be wrong.