Cuomo’s Bold Vision to Make NY National Offshore Wind Leader

Coalition of Business, Labor, Environment & Community Leaders Applaud Governor Cuomo’s Bold Vision to Make NY National Offshore Wind Leader

New York State commits to enough offshore wind power for 400,000 homes over the next two years and invests $15 million in workforce development and infrastructure.

ALBANY, NY – A large, diverse coalition of business, labor, environmental, grassroots organizations, and elected officials committed to clean energy applauded Governor Andrew Cuomo’s bold and visionary commitments to make New York State the national leader in offshore wind power, announced today as part of New York’s 2018 Clean Energy Jobs and Climate Agenda.

The Governor called for an offshore wind power procurement of at least 800 megawatts by 2019 – enough clean energy from the wind off the coast of Long Island and New York City to power 400,000 homes.  This will be the first step in the process to meet New York’s goal set last year to develop 2,400 megawatts of offshore wind power by 2030.

A key element of the Governor’s proposal is a $15 million investment in workforce training and infrastructure planning to advance opportunities for New Yorkers to participate in this new industry. Today’s announcements will help New York position itself to meet the supply chain and construction needs for building and operating offshore wind turbines, creating a range of new economic development opportunities across the state.

These steps forward are critical for New York to remain at the forefront as offshore wind power finally takes off in the Northeast. With others in the region also moving state policy commitments forward – including Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Maryland – now is the time for New York to act to maximize the engagement of New York’s workforce and port facilities in the launch of the U.S. offshore wind industry.

Leaders from organized labor and environmental organizations, along with business groups and a bipartisan coalition of elected officials, have united to celebrate the Governor’s announcement today and support the State’s efforts to make offshore wind a key component of the “50 by 30” strategy to increase renewable energy, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and spur economic development opportunities for New Yorkers.