During a recent government meeting, Patty Mekas, a representative from Citizens Against Wind Turbines in Lake Erie, voiced strong opposition to the proposed installation of wind turbines in the lake. Mekas highlighted the group's 14-year mission to protect Lake Erie, citing two New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) reports from 2010 and 2022 that deemed wind turbines \"not feasible\" in the area.

Mekas emphasized the grassroots nature of their campaign, noting that 23 municipalities in Erie County and 21 in Chautauqua County have already passed resolutions against the turbines. She urged the East Aurora community to join this movement, stressing the potential negative impacts on local recreation, boating, and drinking water safety.

She pointed out that over 11 million people rely on Lake Erie for drinking water, raising concerns about the environmental risks associated with dredging for cable lines and the potential for oil leaks from the turbines. Mekas also referenced the rising electricity costs in California as a cautionary example, suggesting that the current climate initiatives may be unsustainable.

The meeting underscored the growing local opposition to wind energy projects, with Mekas calling for a unified stance among communities to protect their shared resources and recreational activities. As discussions continue, the outcome of these resolutions could significantly influence future energy policies in the region.