Emily Pomilio (202) 395-3041, emily.pomilio@sierraclub.org
Shay O’Reilly (703) 868.1473, shay.oreilly@sierraclub.org
Albany, N.Y.— The New York State Energy and Research Development Authority (NYSERDA) released a report today identifying two new “areas for consideration” which could host an additional 1,600 megawatts of offshore wind. The areas in question consist of over a million acres of federal waters off the southern coast of Long Island. In the report, NYSERDA also requested that the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) quickly considers the locations and subsequently leases at least four new wind energy areas within the proposed locations.
The report today reaffirms the Cuomo Administration’s commitment to a long-term, large scale offshore wind program, and his pledge to build at least 2.4 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2030. NYSERDA’s plan lays the groundwork to develop a scalable, offshore wind program that moves the future of offshore wind projects forward.
More offshore wind is essential for the Governor to achieve his goal of generating 50 percent of the state’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030, which can provide grid reliability and stable electricity bills, create thousands of new, family wage jobs and include manufacturing opportunities, all while increasing economic development throughout the state.
In response to the announcement, Shay O’Reilly, New York Downstate Organizing Representative for the Sierra Club said:
“If we’re going to meet Governor Cuomo’s bold goal of 2,400 megawatts of offshore wind energy by 2030, we need to scale up our wind energy now - and with this report, NYSERDA is doing exactly that. These new areas for potential offshore wind will continue to frame New York as a clean energy economy leader in the Northeast region, providing additional opportunities to create good, local jobs in the state. NYSERDA’s engagement with community stakeholders and the public provides an exemplary national model for the local and regional development of offshore wind energy.
We look forward to seeing the state issue their recommendations by the end of this year for how they intend to advance the rapid procurement of offshore wind to meet the state’s clean energy goals.
Now is the time for swift and intentional buildout of renewable energy sources to eliminate our reliance on climate change-causing fossil fuels and New York continues to prove it’s ready to lead the way.”
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About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.