Power grid fixes are not optional

Without meaningful investment in our electric grid, Long Island is destined for a future of blackouts and brownouts. The facts matter.

The article "2 energy projects: Gas gains, cable stalls" [News, June 1] misses the mark. It compares Propel NY Energy — an electric transmission upgrade designed to ensure we can power, heat, and cool our homes — with an unrelated project. The article also suggests Propel is stalled while offering no perspective from the agencies responsible for approving or denying it.

Furthermore, the article omits that Propel has achieved key permitting milestones and is expected to break ground this year. This initiative is necessary to ensure a reliable and resilient electric grid for Long Island.

The families we represent depend on reliable electricity at home and on the job. As demand continues to rise, infrastructure upgrades like Propel are not optional. They are essential to keeping the lights on while creating good-paying union jobs and strengthening our regional economy.

Those who say they support grid upgrades, just not here and not now, are condemning Long Island to an avoidable energy crisis. We cannot let them stand in the way of a project so critical to everyday life.

John Durso, Bellmore

The writer is president of the Long Island Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO.

Warn consumers of gas stove hazards

Thank you for giving readers a snapshot of what precious little there is to celebrate as the State Legislature wrapped up its work in Albany for the year ["What legislature did, didn't do," News, June 6].

I am disappointed in its failure to pass the larger "forever chemicals" PFAS bill and the packaging reduction act.

But I am happy about passage of the gas stove labeling law — the Healthy Homes Right to Know Act. It wouldn't ban gas stoves, but when shopping for a stove in the store, customers would see a sticker informing them about the dangers a gas stove poses to health.

A bit of history: The phrase "Now you're cooking with gas!" was originally a marketing slogan. As electric lighting replaced gas lamps in the 20th century, the gas industry teamed up with appliance manufacturers to find a new market for natural gas.

The new legislation would make folks pause at the appliance store when they shop for a new unit, and maybe they'd check out an electric induction model instead.

I hope Gov. Kathy Hochul will resist industry pressures and sign this forward-looking consumer protection law.

Amy Posner, Lido Beach

New York needs real economic turnaround

Gov. Kathy Hochul said, in essence, four years ago that if political opponents don't like it here, they should head to Florida. Since then, many wealthy and middle class people have left the state. How ironic is it that a few months ago she publicly sought their return to help fund social programs ["How Hochul forged her political identity," News, June 7].

Why would anyone return to increasingly higher taxes, overregulation, a hostile business environment, and policies that support Mayor Zohran Mamdani's efforts to turn New York City into a socialist state and chase entrepreneurs away?

To me, Hochul lacks strong values and will pivot immediately if it suits her career. Is this the kind of leadership New York needs at this pivotal time in its history?

John Romano, Baldwin

Streamlined labels mean less clarity

Our State Legislature seems to have adopted an "ignorance is bliss" measure. Our food safety and quality date labels are to be "streamlined" and "standardized" to the levels of half a century ago ["Ditching dates on food hurts buyers," Letters, June 8].

The Food Industry Alliance of New York has succeeded in its effort to promote "clear, consistent labels" — aimed at reducing consumer confusion. The solution to "confusion" is clarity, accuracy, and consistency, all put on hold.

Now, we'll have forever foods to go with our forever chemicals.

Brian Kelly, Rockville Centre

A life plan complex is the best alternative

A reader wrote that the purpose of downsizing is easier maintenance and lowering monthly costs and that buying in a 55-and-older community does not achieve these goals ["Downsizing? It gets me down," Musings, June 8]. Having done that, I agree with the writer.

After moving to a 55-plus development upon selling the house in which I lived for 30 years, I learned two things: First, it is only marginally less maintenance, and second, it is not less expensive.

Fortunately, I discovered a better alternative: a life plan community, also known as a continuing care retirement community (CCRC). I moved to the newest such complex on Long Island four years ago and now experience a truly carefree life. All maintenance and repair needs are handled by a wonderful engineering staff. And I've found that our monthly expenses are less than when we owned our condo.

We're now living in a beautiful community with more amenities than we have the time to enjoy, and with friendly neighbors and a wonderful staff. I couldn't be happier!

Bonnie Soman, Commack