What is Offshore Wind?

Offshore wind farms generate clean energy by harnessing strong ocean winds.

Large turbines, placed miles from shore, capture the wind’s power to spin their blades and produce electricity. This energy is then delivered to the mainland grid through underwater cables. Their offshore location ensures access to stronger, more consistent winds, making them a highly efficient renewable energy source.

Source: NYLCV Factsheet

Why is Offshore Wind Needed?

Climate change is already reshaping life in New York. Coastal erosion, intensified storms, rising ocean temperatures, and collapsing fisheries are putting our shorelines, communities, economy, and ecosystems at risk. Long Island, in particular, is feeling the pressure—with its unique location making it especially vulnerable to these accelerating impacts.

The state is taking bold action to respond. Offshore wind energy is central to New York’s plan to transition away from fossil fuels and toward a more resilient, renewable future. By 2030, the state aims to produce 70% of its electricity from renewable sources—and to reach 100% emission-free power by 2040. Offshore wind is critical to making those goals a reality, which is why New York has committed to building 9,000 megawatts (MW) of offshore wind energy by 2035. Offshore wind supports tens of thousands of well-paying jobs in construction, manufacturing, engineering, and maintenance. 

Source: Citizens Campaign for the Environment Paper

Offshore Wind on Long Island

Here on Long Island, progress is already underway. Five offshore wind farms are in development, including South Fork Wind and Sunrise Wind off the coast of Montauk, and Empire Wind off the Rockaways. Combined, these projects will deliver over 1,800 MW of renewable power—enough to supply more than a million homes with clean electricity.

In addition to producing clean energy, these projects go through a rigorous process before construction begins. Each wind farm must first secure approval through a competitive bidding process and complete extensive environmental reviews, which include several opportunities for the public to weigh in. Meanwhile, increased energy efficiency and the growth of renewables have already started to ease Long Island’s electricity demand—proving that a cleaner, more sustainable energy future is not only possible but already in motion.

Sources:Wind Works NY,   

Misinformation about Offshore Wind

Offshore wind kills whales- FALSE.
Fact: There is no scientific evidence directly linking offshore wind development to whale deaths. According to the NOAA, the leading causes of whale mortality are entanglement in fishing gear and vessel strikes (NOAA, 2023). NOAA explicitly states that there are no known connections between offshore wind sonar mapping and recent whale strandings. Independent marine biologists and federal agencies research has found no causal link so far (Clean Power, 2023).

Wind turbines will harm avian species- FALSE.
Fact: Fact: Wind turbines cause far fewer bird deaths than buildings, vehicles, or cats—less than 0.01% of human-related fatalities (Clean Power, 2023). Offshore projects avoid key migration paths and use mitigation tools like radar and acoustic deterrents (Oceana, 2024). Compared to fossil fuels and climate change, wind poses a much smaller threat to birds. With careful siting, wind energy and wildlife protection can successfully coexist (Audubon Society, 2019).

Offshore wind doesn’t create meaningful local jobs or economic benefits- FALSE.
Fact: Offshore wind supports tens of thousands of well-paying jobs in construction, manufacturing, engineering, and maintenance. Meeting U.S. offshore wind targets could create over 83,000 jobs by 2030, many of them unionized and supported by local training programs (Clean Power, 2023). Coastal communities also benefit from new port infrastructure, supply chains, and tax revenue. Offshore wind is a major economic driver, not just a clean energy solution (NYSERDA, 2024a).

Radiation from offshore wind cables is dangerous- FALSE.
Fact: Offshore wind cables emit low-frequency, non-ionizing electromagnetic fields (EMFs), similar to those from common appliances like hair dryers and microwaves. These EMFs do not damage DNA or cause cancer, according to the World Health Organization and National Institutes of Health (WHO, 2023; NIH, 2023). The cables are buried and shielded to prevent exposure, and there is no evidence they pose health or environmental risks (BOEM, 2021; Oceana, 2024).

Offshore wind is too expensive and unreliable to be a viable energy source- FALSE.

Fact: Offshore wind costs have dropped over 60% since 2010, making it competitive with fossil fuels and other renewables (DOE, 2023). Ocean wind patterns are stronger and more consistent than onshore winds, resulting in higher and more stable energy output (NREL, 2023). While no energy source stands alone, offshore wind strengthens a diversified grid and helps stabilize long-term energy costs. It’s not just viable—it’s key to a clean, resilient energy future (Oceana, 2024).

 Sign our petition at: https://actions.nylcv.org/a/reli-wind