Feds Designate "Wind Energy Area" for Offshore Wind Leasing in New York

ALBANY, NY (03/16/2016)(readMedia)-- Today the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) announced the designation of a Wind Energy Area off the coast of New York. This is an important step in the process that will bring significant new renewable energy resources to New York State. The new Wind Energy Area (WEA) will be the subject of a stakeholder input process, which may be followed by a leasing auction offered by BOEM. https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/secretary-jewell-announces-milestone-commercial-wind-energy-development-offshore-new.

"Today's federal action is adding to the momentum for offshore wind development in New York," said Anne Reynolds, executive director of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York. "This is a crucial step in pursuit of offshore wind energy for New York State, and we applaud the federal government's action to advance clean renewable energy development off our shores. The off-shore wind industry is critical to the ultimate success of Gov. Cuomo's call for the generation of 50 percent of New York's energy from renewable sources by 2030."

The announcement today by BOEM, a part of the U.S. Department of the Interior, says that it has designated a New York Wind Energy Area. Through this process, potential developers of offshore wind will have the opportunity to purchase a lease and development rights. Advocates hope this is the first of several WEA's established for New York.

In his 2016 State of the State speech, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that the state would develop an Offshore Wind Master Plan. Earlier this year, New York also kicked off a multi-state offshore wind initiative funded by the Department of Energy. The governor also called for the 50 by 30 renewable energy goal included in the State Energy Plan to become a mandate. A proceeding to establish this 50 percent Clean Energy Standard is now underway at the New York State Public Service Commission. Renewable energy industry companies and environmental groups are calling on the Governor and his Administration to include an offshore wind tier as part of the Clean Energy Standard to ensure that the state moves forward to create a long-term, large scale offshore wind program for New York.

"Today's announcement means that clean, carbon-free offshore wind energy is one step closer for New York. Combined with yesterday's announcement to exclude the waters off the Atlantic coast from oil and gas drilling, this is further reaffirmation that the Obama administration is choosing clean, rather than dirty, energy development for our Atlantic waters," said Kit Kennedy, director of the Energy & Transportation Program at the Natural Resources Defense Council. "With smart planning and siting, the strong winds off Long Island can provide New Yorkers sustainable, pollution-free electricity. Today's designation of this Wind Energy Area is critical to reaching that goal. All levels of government must now work together to seize this opportunity to move forward with offshore wind in New York."

"The announcement today from BOEM is an important step to moving offshore wind forward for New York," said Lisa Dix, Senior New York Representative for the Sierra Club. "Governor Cuomo demonstrated real climate leadership by vetoing the dangerous and dirty Port Ambrose LNG terminal proposal that was in direct conflict with clean, renewable offshore wind. The Governor should continue to build on his climate and renewable energy legacy and work with the Federal Government and New York City to act this year to harness the massive clean, renewable, job creating offshore wind energy right off New York's shores."

"Now is the moment for Governor Cuomo to build on today's announcement with a clear commitment to offshore wind power at the scale necessary to spark massive job creation, reduce local air pollution, and protect wildlife and communities from the dangers of climate change," said Catherine Bowes, Senior Manager for Climate & Energy at National Wildlife Federation. "Responsibly developed offshore wind power can and must play a major role in meeting the state's clean energy goals, and we applaud the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management for moving the leasing process forward for this critically needed new clean energy source."

"The timing of this announcement could not be better. It sets the stage for Governor Cuomo to carve out a big role for offshore wind as a part of New York's monumental Clean Energy Standard," said Conor Bambrick, Air and Energy Director for Environmental Advocates of New York.

"Scaling up well-sited offshore wind energy development isn't just good for our environment – it also expands the economy and creates good jobs for New Yorkers," said

Bob Keefe, executive director of the national nonpartisan business group Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2).

"Today's announcement by the Obama Administration is great news and opens the door for a major expansion of renewable energy in New York. We look forward to supporting local and state leaders in their efforts to go bigger on renewable energy by making a strong commitment to offshore wind development", said Heather Leibowitz, Director of Environment New York.

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About the Alliance for Clean Energy New York:

The Alliance for Clean Energy New York (ACE NY) is a broad coalition dedicated to promoting clean energy, energy efficiency, a healthy environment, and a strong economy for the Empire State, and is New York's premier advocate for the rapid adoption of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. www.aceny.org