Zulie Malone, zulie.malone@sierraclub.org
NEW YORK - Last week, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) issued a decision allowing Sunrise Wind to begin construction on its plans for a commercial wind farm. Once completed, the project will create 924 megawatts (MW) of wind energy. This final approval demonstrates the Biden administration’s commitment to advancing offshore wind and fighting climate change. It will also bring New York closer to meeting its climate goals and reaching70 percent renewable energy by 2030.
Responsibly sited, equitably developed offshore wind power will create jobs for communities across the East Coast and advance the clean energy economy. Offshore wind is growing exponentially in the US, with similar projects in progress off the coasts of Massachusetts and Virginia, and the first commercial wind farm being completed off the coast of New York - South Fork Wind.
In response to the BOEM’s approval of Sunrise Wind, Senior Field Organizer Allyson Samuell released the following statement:
“Amidst the extreme heat wave striking the East Coast, the impact of climate change is glaring for New Yorkers – health, lives, and homes are at risk. BOEM’s approval of the Sunrise Project represents a pivotal move towards clean energy and a more resilient future. Sunrise Wind will create 800 jobs for construction, 300 in annual operations, and support for over 1,000 workers indirectly. With this eighth approval of large offshore wind projects, the Biden-Harris administration is committed to fighting climate change and developing a clean energy economy across the US.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, 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.