Last Friday, Renewable Energy Long Island (reLI) joined workers, labor leaders, environmental advocates, and elected officials in Hauppauge for a powerful offshore wind rally. The rally came in response to recent federal stop-work orders that have halted construction on major offshore wind projects off Long Island, including Sunrise Wind and Empire Wind, putting thousands of good-paying union jobs and New York’s climate goals at risk.

The rally made clear that offshore wind is not an abstract policy issue. It is about real people, real jobs, and real communities across Long Island and New York State. Construction workers, union members, and advocates spoke about what these projects mean for their livelihoods and for building a cleaner, more resilient energy system.

On the same day as the rally, New York Attorney General Letitia James filed lawsuits against the federal government, calling the stop-work orders “arbitrary and unwarranted.” This legal action underscores New York’s commitment to defending its clean energy investments and standing up to federal decisions that threaten economic opportunity and climate progress.

Offshore wind is a cornerstone of New York’s climate strategy, helping to reduce harmful emissions, strengthen grid reliability, and create family-sustaining union jobs, especially in coastal and frontline communities.

We thank Governor Hochul for her leadership and for standing up for offshore wind and good-paying union jobs. At reLI, we will continue to advocate for policies and projects that put workers, communities, and climate justice first. 

Watch about the rally here