New York Takes Major Step Forward on Offshore Wind

ALBANY, NY (09/15/2011)(readMedia)-- New York's leading environmental organizations applauded Governor Cuomo today for taking action to restart the process for pursuing offshore wind energy. Today, a lease application was submitted for the Long Island–New York City Offshore Wind Project – a collaborative effort by New York Power Authority, Long Island Power Authority, and Con Edison to build an offshore wind farm 13 miles off the Rockaway Peninsula.

New York has substantial offshore wind resources, and it is time that New Yorkers reap the economic and environmental benefits of locally produced clean energy. Offshore wind projects must be sited in a manner that is protective of our coastal and marine resources, and our organizations look forward to working with all the partners involved to ensure that this and other offshore wind projects receive sufficient environmental review.

Responses to today's announcement:

"Long Island and New York are blessed with an abundant energy resource right here at our doorsteps, yet we have so far ignored the potential to meet a significant amount of our electricity demand with offshore wind power," said Gordian Raacke, Executive Director of Renewable Energy Long Island, a regional not-for-profit organization. "New York State needs to accelerate plans for offshore wind farms and today's application to lease areas for wind energy production is an encouraging sign."

Carol E. Murphy, Executive Director of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York, said: "As projects up and down the Atlantic coast come closer to fruition, beginning the federal leasing process in New York is a very important and timely step forward. We commend NYPA, LIPA and Con Edison for continuing their commitment to this initiative and look forward to seeing New Yorkers reap the many economic and environmental benefits of offshore wind power."

"Clean, homegrown energy sources like offshore wind will play a key role in New York's energy future and Environmental Advocates of New York applauds Governor Cuomo for taking this critical step forward by supporting the New York Power Authority as it files this offshore wind lease application," said Ross Gould, Air & Energy Program Director, Environmental Advocates of New York.

"New Yorkers should be proud today – the state has taken an important step forward in creating more jobs and clean energy with offshore wind," said Catherine Bowes, Senior Energy Policy Representative at National Wildlife Federation. "NWF is working to advance appropriately-sited offshore wind projects up and down the Atlantic coast, and we are excited that New York has joined its neighbors in pursuing this critical clean energy source sitting right off our shores."

"Talk about a win-win for New York's economy and environment," said Marcia Bystryn, President of the New York League of Conservation Voters. "For too long, New York has sent its energy dollars out of state and out of the country – and in return, we have gotten dirtier air and climate-altering emissions. The Long Island-New York City Offshore Wind Project will help reverse that trend, by generating clean energy and creating new jobs close to home. We congratulate Governor Cuomo, the New York Power Authority, Long Island Power Authority, and Con Edison for this important step forward, and we look forward to working with them to complete a world-class wind-energy project."

"Our coastline is a prime location to harness renewable wind energy and New York workers are ready to take advantage of the domestic jobs opportunities the offshore wind industry stands to offer," said Brandi Colander, Natural Resources Defense Council energy attorney. "NRDC is encouraged by the progress of the LI-NYC Offshore Wind Collaborative. We look forward to continuing to work with the Collaborative and BOEMRE to ensure New York's abundant marine life is protected as we advance this initiative."

"Today's announcement that three major utilities have applied for lease of an offshore wind facility is great news," said Eric Whalen of Environment New York. "Tapping a fraction of New York's vast reserves of wind off our coast is one of the critical ways we keep the state moving toward clean energy. We urge the cooperation of local, state and federal officials to help make offshore wind a key part of our state's plan to reduce fossil fuel pollution from power plants."

"Investment in wind power near New York City and Long Island will mean healthier air, hundreds of clean energy jobs for New York workers and reliable, affordable energy for businesses," said Mark Kresowik, Northeast Regional Director for the Sierra Club's Beyond Coal Campaign. "Governor Cuomo, NYPA, and LIPA should put New Yorkers back to work by committing to buy the power from proposed clean energy projects throughout the state and moving away from dirty and dangerous energy sources."

"Today's announcement demonstrates that the Governor gets it," said Franz Litz, Executive Director of the Pace Energy and Climate Center. "Renewable energy ensures our energy dollars stay in the state. Clean energy creates jobs. This is the right initiative at the right time."

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