Our Executive Director Speaks with CBS News on the Future of Offshore Wind

This week, our Executive Director Melissa Parrott spoke with CBS New York about the uncertain future of offshore wind on Long Island following a recent decision by President Trump to halt lease sales and permitting for new wind projects.

The segment, filmed at Smith Point County Park, where crews are currently laying cables for New York’s second offshore wind farm, highlighted both the promise and the challenges of wind energy in our region.

Even with all the misinformation out there about offshore wind, the South Fork Wind Farm is already showing us what’s possible—hundreds of local jobs, more reliable and affordable power, and greater energy independence. That’s a win across the board. Today, over 70,000 Long Island homes are powered by consistent, clean wind energy—proof that American-made offshore wind is a smart, reliable solution for our energy future.

“We have this untapped renewable resource, the wind,” said Parrott. “This is going to power millions of homes with almost zero fossil fuel use.”

She emphasized the urgency of moving away from fossil fuels to confront the climate crisis: “The planet is at stake. We see the glaciers melting... you see the storms, you see the floods... and the number one way to curb climate change is to stop our CO2 output, which comes from fossil fuel use.”

Despite federal setbacks, Renewable Energy Long Island remains committed to advancing clean energy solutions and ensuring Long Island plays a leading role in the transition to a sustainable future.

Watch the full story on CBS News New York (https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/new-york-long-island-wind-farms-debate/)