In driving economic development across Long Island, major projects are opportunities to diversify our economy, create jobs, and enhance our Main Streets. By doing so, we will ensure that Long Island continues to be an attractive place to start a business and raise a family, as that dream slips away for many of our residents.

A critical component of this vision is the availability of reliable and plentiful energy, including natural gas. The recent relaunch of the Northeast Supply Enhancement pipeline project, which would address increasing gas constraints on Long Island, merits our close attention. A true all-of-the-above approach to energy is essential for New York State if we’re going to create a brighter future for all.

Growing the state’s economy — and opportunities for New Yorkers — will contribute to a predicted near-doubling of electricity demand over the next two decades, according to the New York Independent System Operator, the nonprofit that runs the state’s power grid. The fact is, New York does not currently have the energy supply to accommodate these projected increases. NYISO has concluded that fossil-fuel generation, including electricity generated by burning natural gas, is necessary for the foreseeable future.

There’s no clearer example of our need for reliable power than the exciting developments at Brookhaven National Laboratory, which the federal government has identified as a potential artificial intelligence data center. A world-class AI hub would transform our community, creating tens of thousands of good-paying jobs — both permanent and temporary — while putting Long Island at the forefront of innovation. To make this a reality, we need a new natural gas pipeline to fuel the power plant that will be part of the complex.

Meanwhile, in Deer Park, we’re at a pivotal moment in redeveloping underutilized sites. Thor Equities, a global real estate investment company, has replaced the former Pinter Brothers trucking depot with a 310,500-square-foot warehouse expected to open this fall. The Town of Babylon is exploring zoning changes to accommodate a 100-acre industrial park in Wyandanch, while the blighted state-owned former Fairchild Republic site in East Farmingdale is a prime opportunity to build housing.

Developers looking at potential sites often ask us first whether power is plentiful and easy to connect. If we can confidently say yes, these projects will serve as catalysts for additional critical investments in municipal infrastructure, notably wastewater systems, the lack of which is hampering our ability to build.

Building out additional gas supply is essential for public health and safety as well. We’re seeing a surge of hospitals upgrading their emergency departments, including Good Samaritan University Hospital in West Islip, Mather Hospital in Port Jefferson, and a new ER affiliated with Stony Brook Southampton Hospital. Reliable energy is the foundation for modern, technologically driven health care, as well as public safety in general, as extreme weather events threaten our ability to keep the lights on, stay cool in the summer, and keep warm in the winter.

Whether it’s investing in our neighborhoods, bolstering our infrastructure, or laying down the framework for long-term growth, the common thread is reliable and affordable energy. As projects like Empire Wind — which will power up to 500,000 homes — move forward, we must add to this momentum by leveraging every available energy tool in our toolbox to meet our shared goals.

Continuing to build a more prosperous, equitable and affordable Long Island is possible. Working collaboratively on innovative energy solutions is the only way to make it happen.

This guest essay reflects the views of Rich Schaffer, supervisor of the Town of Babylon.