Emily Pomilio (480) 286-0401, emily.pomilio@sierraclub.org
Lisa Dix (631) 235-4988, lisa.dix@sierraclub.org
Albany, N.Y.— New York State released their Offshore Wind Master Plan today which lays the framework to develop a scalable offshore wind program. Through the Master Plan, the state has identified port facilities for turbine infrastructure development, areas off of Long Island for future offshore wind sites and established a procurement standard for the industry that focuses on state-based job creation -- all the elements to position New York as a regional hub for the offshore wind industry and supply chain. Additionally, the plan estimates that at least 5,000 jobs will be added to New York by the mid to late 2020s through the growth of a robust offshore wind industry.
The Master Plan comes after Governor Cuomo’s State of the State address earlier this month, which reaffirmed his commitment to both a long-term, large scale offshore wind program, enough to power at least 1.2 million homes with clean renewable energy and move toward the state’s goal of generating 50 percent of its electricity from renewable energy sources while reducing carbon pollution 40 percent by 2030.
In response to the announcement, Lisa Dix, New York Senior Representative for the Sierra Club said:
“We applaud Governor Cuomo for stepping up and showing our nation that good-paying jobs in the renewable energy industry are possible, not only helping to curb climate change, but turning New York into a renewable energy economic powerhouse of the 21st century. In addition to grid reliability and stable electricity bills, New York’s offshore master plan shows that a commitment to a steady stream of projects over the next decade would create thousands of new jobs and manufacturing opportunities while increasing economic development throughout the state. But the state must act swiftly this year to issue a procurement and establish an enforceable long term program, with a guarantee projects are built every year, the Governor’s targets are met and the climate, economic, manufacturing and jobs benefits are realized.”
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.