Environmental Organizations Applaud Transition from Fossil Fuels to Renewable Energy for our Island 

Farmingdale, NY – Today the Long Island Power Authority and PSEG-Long Island released a long awaited draft plan for current and future energy needs for Long Island.  New York has a target to source 50 percent of energy from renewables, including a target to add 2,400 megawatts of offshore wind power to New York’s grid, by 2030.  The cost effective investments in offshore wind, energy efficiency and new renewable energy under the draft plan positions the utility to comply with New York State’s targets and outlines a bold path forward for transformation to a 21^st century utility. 

The three year study concluded that sinking more ratepayer funds in outdated fossil fuel power plants and building new gas plants is unnecessary given the high $5 billion cost, the reduced prices of natural gas and the fact that these outdated investments are not needed for grid reliability. Instead, the findings conclude that the most cost effective new investments will increase the growth of renewable energy from 2017 through 2030 in order to better balance and diversify Long Island’s energy needs and will stabilize and reduce costs for bill payers.  The utility plans on adding 800 megawatts of offshore wind and solar in addition to 950 megawatts of rooftop solar, other renewables and energy saving measures. 

Highlights of LIPA/PSEG 2017 LI Integrated Resource Plan findings

• Flat Forecasts: LIPA revised its long-term load forecasts downward now predicting virtually no growth through 2035. 1,700 MW decline by 2030 compared to 2013 forecast (equal to 3 – 5 large power plants).
• Historic Tipping Point: Instead of continued investments in outdated fossil fueled power plants, LIPA now plans to add build out renewable energy on Long Island.
• Fossil Power Going Down: Power production at Long Island’s legacy power plants has declined since 1999 from about 50% runtime to as little as 11% and is projected decline even further by 2030.
• Repowering Can’t Compete with Renewables: electricity from new or refurbished large power plants would cost as much or more than current renewable energy sources. Renewable energy is now cost competitive and future costs are expected to decline further.
• Modern Grid Additions: Instead of investing in large fossil generators, renewable energy technologies will be augmented by more flexible peaking generators, battery storage, smart grid controls and energy demand management, and distributed energy sources.
• 50% Renewables by 2030:  LIPA's new Energy Guide envisions dramatic growth of renewable energy from 2017 through 2030, in line with NY State mandate to meet half of state’s electricity consumption from renewable energy sources.
• Clean Power for 350,000 Homes: 800 MW of solar & offshore wind power will provide enough power for 350,000 homes by 2030, in addition to 950 MW of energy efficiency savings, rooftop solar energy and other renewables.
• More Offshore: Governor Cuomo’s 2,400 MW of offshore wind power will likely be off Long Island’s shores and interconnect to the electric grid on Long Island.
• Aiming for 100% Renewable Energy: In his 2017 State of the State address, Governor Cuomo laid out New York’s long term objective to meet 100% of our energy needs from renewables by saying: “We want to get 2.4 gigawatts of offshore wind power by 2030 and we are not going to stop until we reach 100 percent renewable because that’s what a sustainable New York is really all about.”

 In response, environmentalists released the following statements:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

July 14, 2016

Gordian Raacke, (516) 313-6611, [email protected]

View more more Media Contacts and original Webpage

Groups Praise Governor Cuomo and LIPA for Recommending Approval of Nation's Largest Offshore Wind Project

Uniondale, N.Y.— The Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) announced today it is recommending development of New York’s first ever offshore wind farm. LIPA’s board will formally vote on the proposed contract at a meeting next Wednesday.

Slated to be the the largest in the nation, this 90-megawatt, 15-turbine offshore wind farm would be located far off the coast of Montauk, at the eastern end of Long Island. Deepwater Wind, one of the country’s leading offshore wind companies, would spearhead the project, which is estimated to be three times larger than the Block Island wind farm project slated to begin operation off the shores of Rhode Island later this year.  

For over five years, local, state and national organizations along with communities up and down Long Island in partnership with labor, municipal leaders and businesses have been actively engaged in pushing LIPA to embrace offshore wind power. Today, they cheered this announcement as the necessary first step in a bold long-term large scale offshore wind program for New York. The project will produce enough energy to power about 50,000 Long Island homes by 2022.

The Long Island Power Authority is expected to formally approve the project at the July 20, 2016 board meeting. LIPA and Deepwater Wind are expected to finalize all financial plans for the project by 2017.

The 2nd annual South Fork 100% Renewable Energy Forum will take place on June 28, 2017

Gordian Raacke of Renewable Energy Long Island speaks at the Rally for Renewables on October 30, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 30, 2014

Contact: Kim Teplitzky,267-307-4707, [email protected]

Long Island Assembly Members, Community, Conservation Leaders Call on Gov. Cuomo, LIPA to Commit to Offshore Wind

Assembly Delegation letter & 20,000 petitions signatures presented at rally 

Uniondale – Today, Assemblyman Englebright joined dozens of community leaders at a rally outside LIPA headquarters calling on Governor Cuomo and LIPA to commit to offshore wind power this year. The Assemblyman presented LIPA with a letter of from the Long Island delegation that highlights the tremendous economic opportunity that would come with building wind off Long Island’s coasts.

In addition to the letter, conservation groups presented LIPA and the Department of Public Service with more than 20,000 petition signatures. The groups urged LIPA to follow through on their commitment to invest in 280MW of new renewable energy this year by choosing an offshore wind project 30 miles off the coast of Montauk.

Quotes on Offshore Wind Power from Long Island Officials and Leaders

"New York is on the threshold of creating a significant market opportunity for offshore wind power through LIPA’s 280 MW renewable energy request for proposals. Making the commitment to move forward with a significant offshore wind project this year will not only help New York further its state-wide carbon reduction and renewable energy goals but will create hundreds of Long-Island based jobs in the short term and positions Long Island to serve as a major regional hub for the U.S. offshore wind industry in the long term."  Joint letter to Governor Andrew Cuomo by 14 members of the Long Island Delegation of the NYS Assembly (click here for the full letter)

 "[Deepwater ONE] would greatly bolster the East End's energy reliability, be environmentally friendly and help stabilize rates for residents. The proposed wind farm would be located 30 miles offshore, so it would have little or no impact on any community...Deepwater Wind has my support."   Kenneth P. LaValle, NYS Senator (click here for the full statement)

 "Deepwater Wind's project can be an important part of addressing the East End's energy challenges, both near-term and long-term. By producing most of its energy during the middle of the day, when LIPA needs it most, Deepwater Wind's proposal is likely to help stabilize rates." Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr.  (click here for the full statement)

 "One of the areas of renewable energy that we, as Long Islanders, can rally behind is Offshore Wind. While Upstate New York reaps the benefits of cheap hydropower, we have to play to our strength here on Long Island." Phil Boyle, NYS Senator (click here for the full statement)

"Particularly notable in the Deepwater proposal is its potential as a generator of jobs...Given our location, Long Island is ideally positioned to serve as a hub for the U.S. offshore wind industry, which would be a welcome boost for an economy that lost a vast number of defense industry jobs." Steven Bellone, Suffolk County Executive (click here for the full statement)

 "Offshore wind is important for Long Island as a source of cost-effective clean energy. As an abundant domestic energy resource, offshore wind can be a big part of the energy portfolio for Long Island's future. And, unlike energy generated by fossil fuels, the cost of energy from offshore wind is 100% predictable. This is especially important here on Long Island, where we need greater rate stability and certainty to attract new businesses." Edward P. Romaine, Supervisor, Town of Brookhaven, NY (click here for the full statement)

 "Our community is embracing solar PV, advanced battery storage systems and on- and offshore wind energy to fulfill our [100%] renewable energy goals. We respectfully request the LIPA Board to full honor and commit to the RFPs and what our community is embracing and encouraging. We ask that LIPA biard decisions not hinder our community goals." East Hampton Town Supervisor Larry Cantwell, Deputy Supervisor Peter Van Scoyoc, Councilwoman Sylvia Overby, Councilwoman Kathee Burkee-Gonzales (click here for the full letter)

"Long Island should be a hub of offshore wind development. With our strategic location centered on the East Coast and an advanced supply chain from the aerospace industry, the region is poised to lead. Let’s put our men and women back to work — on a project that could propel a new American energy industry."  John Durso, President, Long Island Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, and the president of Local 338, RWDSU/UFCW. (click here to read the full NY Daily News Opinion piece)

"By planning now for the transmission and generation of offshore wind energy, New York can be sure that this great resource will provide reliable clean energy to the public and substantial job opportunities to our skilled workforce for decades.... We believe Long Island is ideally placed to become a hub for offshore wind development considering its geography, access to skilled trades, manufacturing and the potential to develop port facilities."   Roger Clayman, Executive Director, Long Island Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO (click here for the full statement)

"Faced with the burden of utility bills that threatens the competitive position of the Long Island economy, our membership seeks and supports those initiatives that will strategically lessen our dependency on fossil fuels and address the seasonal commodity price spikes that seriously harm every energy consumer. This wind farm proposal will tackle these problems, and we are urging the Long Island Power Authority to proceed with all due speed in making this proposal a reality."  Desmond Ryan, Executive Director, Association for a Better Long Island (click here to read the press release from ABLI)

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Wind Works Long Island

Wind Works Long Island is a coalition of environmental, labor, clergy, and community groups, and the force behind educating the Long Island community on the benefits of renewable energy, particularly offshore wind.

July 18, 2022

Contact: Daniel Busi, 631-697-9521

A Hub for Long Island Offshore Wind News

July 18, 2019 - For Immediate Release:

Contact: Joe Martens, 518.432.1405 ×224 (o), 518.300.0945 (m), [email protected]

New York State Announces First Ever Offshore Wind Energy Awards 

Nation-leading Program Sends Powerful Message To Launch Offshore Wind Industry                                                          

ALBANY, New York, July 18, 2019 — Governor Cuomo announced today that Equinor US Holdings and a joint venture between Orsted A/S and Eversource Energy are the successful bidders in the State’s first ever offshore wind solicitation conducted by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. Following a competitive process, NYSERDA selected two projects that when constructed will provide 1700 megawatts-hours of clean, renewable electricity into New York’s grid, enough to power 1 million households. The 1700 MW award is the largest in the nation to-date and the first major installment toward the Governor’s nation-leading commitment to develop 9,000 MW of offshore wind energy by 2035. It is an important step towards the greenhouse gas reduction and renewable energy targets contained in the New York State Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. 

“This is an epic milestone in New York’s tradition of environmental leadership,” said New York Offshore Wind Alliance Director Joe Martens. “New York State has moved quickly and deliberately in its quest to transition to clean, renewable energy and today’s announcement demonstrates the state’s resolve to take advantage of the steady winds far off its coast to reduce air pollution, create jobs and establish New York as the epicenter of a new American industry.”

Collectively, the award-winning projects represent the largest commitment to offshore wind in the United States to date and include a number of key components that will help ensure the development of the workforce and port infrastructure necessary to build these projects after they secure the necessary federal, state and local permits. For example, 287 million dollars in manufacturing and port facilities from Long Island to Albany.

The state’s competitive bidding process ensured that the offshore wind project proposals would be competitively priced, environmentally sound, and ensure strong participation from unionized labor.

Anne Reynolds, Executive Director of Alliance for Clean Energy New York said, “Today’s announcement committing New York to acquire 1700 megawatt-hours of offshore wind power is a giant step forward to meeting the State’s recently enacted climate objectives and achieving 70% renewable electricity by 2030. Governor Cuomo’s commitments to both offshore wind and land-based wind and solar lead the nation and mean good jobs, economic development and cleaner air for all. ACE NY looks forward to continuing to work with New York on building our clean energy future.”

James Cahill, President of the New York State Building & Construction Trades Council said, “We look forward to partnering with Orsted/Eversource and Equinor to bring these state-of-the-art projects to light. Our members have the experience, training, and expertise to make sure these projects are built safely, on-time, and on-budget, and we’re proud to be a part of this exciting time in New York.”  

Lisa Dix, Senior New York Campaign Manager, Sierra Club said, “Governor Cuomo and his administration have delivered yet again in establishing New York as a national, renewable energy, economic powerhouse. Today’s historic progress in advancing offshore wind contracts is a win-win-win for New York’s environment, workforce, and economy. These contracts not only deliver clean energy at the scale necessary to combat climate change, but also requires that all projects adhere to strong labor and environmental standards. Additionally, they build out the local supply chain and prioritize local hiring thereby uplifting New York’s businesses and communities. New York is now well positioned to become the regional hub of this new industry and a model for the nation to follow.”

John R. Durso, President of the Long Island Federation of Labor said, “The planet received good news about public policy taken by the State of New York. Governor Cuomo’s first large procurement of offshore wind power is a major step forward in the fight against climate change and an opportunity to develop an emerging industry. It is particularly significant for Long Island whose workforce is ready to meet the challenges ahead.”

Collin O’Mara, President and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation said, “Today’s historic offshore wind commitment by Governor Cuomo epitomizes the bold leadership that America needs more than ever to confront the climate crisis and create well-paying manufacturing and construction jobs. Thank you to Governor Cuomo for his visionary leadership and the hard work of New York State officials to accelerate the construction of responsibly developed clean offshore wind power. We congratulate the offshore wind industry and all our partners, as we look forward to continuing our work together to ensure all projects built to power the Empire State provide maximum benefits to our local communities and protect coastal and marine wildlife every step of the way.”

Nathanael Greene, Senior Renewable Energy Policy Analyst, Natural Resources Defense Council said, “Here in New York, a big part of the solution to climate change is literally blowing in the wind. As long as we continue to tap it responsibly, offshore wind has the potential to power millions of homes and businesses with clean energy and put thousands to work. The contract(s) announced today (is/are) a historic step forward by the Governor to help the state meet its clean energy goals and build a better and safer future for all of us.”

Gordian Raacke, Executive Director of Renewable Energy Long Island said, “New York is leading the nation in the rapid transition from a fossil-fueled economy to 100 percent clean, renewable energy. We are witnessing a tipping point in energy history and today’s commitment to large-scale investments in offshore wind power prove that New York walks the walk of powering our economy with renewable energy.”

Matthew Aracich, President of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Nassau & Suffolk Counties said, “Governor Cuomo has charted a course for the shores of Long Island to assert New York’s dominance of expanding opportunities in Offshore Wind Energy. This initiative is national news because it enables NYSERDA’s blueprint to be set in motion, becoming the newest and most advanced source of abundant clean energy available on the Eastern Seaboard. By changing the approach on providing uninterrupted energy to businesses and residents, New York can continue to advance and focus on new, more efficient technology instead of replacing or adapting to old world energy infrastructure. This type of vision builds a bridge that will lead to a new frontier, where generations of the future have an extraordinary opportunity to continue growing the middle class here on Long Island.”

Patrick Purcell, Executive Director Greater New York Laborers, Laborers-Employers Cooperation and Education Trust (LECET) and New York State Laborers LECET Fund said, “We are excited to work with Orsted/Eversource and Equinor to maximize local workforce potential and bring high-quality jobs and economic development throughout New York. We applaud the State’s ambitious offshore wind goals that benefit workers by requiring project labor agreements, guaranteeing prevailing wage, and stimulating jobs.”

Ellen Redmond, International Representative, Third District, of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) said, “Today’s offshore wind announcement by Governor Cuomo is historic for the New York State energy industry. The transition to offshore wind and the State’s commitment to creating good paying, highly skilled jobs will bring economic security to IBEW members and their families. Transitioning to renewables has been a difficult road for many IBEW members who have lost their jobs due to plant closures. One way to provide a Just Transition for these workers is to develop an industry where workers can transfer their skills and knowledge. We believe that the creation of a vibrant offshore wind industry in New York State can help meet that goal. We are encouraged by Governor Cuomo’s announcement today and look forward to working with Orsted/Eversource and Equinor as we move forward in creating a cleaner environment for generations to come.” 

Kevin S. Law, President & CEO of the Long Island Association said, “Today’s announcement demonstrates a continued commitment by Governor Cuomo and the state to lead the nation in developing a clean energy economy. The projects approved today will help make Long Island the offshore wind capital of the country and will create good paying jobs and attract billions of dollars of investment in our region.” 

Lara Skinner, Executive Director of The Worker Institute at Cornell University’s ILR School said, “Today’s bid announcement puts New York State at the forefront of developing a robust offshore wind industry that puts thousands of New Yorkers to work in good jobs that tackle climate change, pollution and inequality. I commend Governor Cuomo and his administration’s commitment to build this industry with strong labor, community and environmental standards. We need energy infrastructure for the 21st century that powers our economy, protects our environment, and lifts working people across New York - New York State is showing the rest of the country how to do this.”  

John Cush, Vice President/Business Agent of Ironworkers Local 361 said, “Today’s announcement is a win-win for all New Yorkers. Offshore Wind will help to create a better tomorrow for our children and our children’s children. Building Offshore Wind utilizing the Nassau-Suffolk Building and Construction Trades  will create good-paying jobs for the workforce of today.”

Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment said, “Changing the way we produce energy will change our future. New York is battling the devastating effects of climate change right now. Raising homes, hardening shorelines, and constructing sea barriers will not change the impacts of rising sea levels and climate change. We cannot just adapt we have to fight. And that battle means transitioning from fossil fuels to clean renewable energy. That’s why we are extremely thankful that Governor Cuomo is leading this battle as a Wind Warrior for New York State! Today the change begins.”

###

via New York Offshore Wind Alliance: The New York Offshore Wind Alliance (NYOWA) is a diverse coalition of organizations with a shared interest in promoting the responsible development of offshore wind power for New York. NYOWA is a project of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York (ACE NY). www.aceny.org/NYOWA

Governor Cuomo Executes the Nation's Largest Offshore Wind Agreement and Signs Historic Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act

Read more

January 25, 2017: (Uniondale, Long Island, NY) 

GROUPS APPLAUD LIPA, GOVERNOR CUOMO FOR HISTORIC ACTION ADVANCING NATION'S LARGEST OFFSHORE WIND PROJECT

The Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) voted on January 25, 2017 to formally approve the development of New York’s first ever, and the nation’s largest, offshore wind farm, located off the east end of Long Island. The approved 90-megawatt, 15-turbine offshore wind farm will produce enough energy to power over 50,000 homes. LIPA cited that offshore wind was the most cost effective proposal to meet Long Island’s South Fork energy needs.  

Last week, in his bold State of the State announcement, Governor Cuomo committed to building 2,400 megawatts (MW) of offshore wind power by 2030 – enough to power 1.25 million homes. The Administration will also release a master plan by the end of the year, mapping out the state’s intention to build offshore wind to scale, which is essential in ensuring the Governor meets his goal to power 50 percent of New York’s energy from renewables by 2030. The Governor also pledged his support for New York’s first, and the nation’s largest, offshore wind project off the east end of Long Island.

Local, state and national organizations hailed this project as an essential first step towards a bold, long-term, large scale offshore wind program for New York. Building off of LIPA’s historic vote today, groups also urged the LIPA Board of Directors to commit to an additional investment of at least 210 more megawatts of offshore wind in the upcoming Island Wide procurement. The decision, which is expected to happen in March of 2017, will help ensure Long Island becomes a regional hub for a new, clean energy industry, spurring thousands of jobs and economic development opportunities throughout the state.

“This is a big step for LIPA, a bold step for renewable energy on Long Island, and the beginning of an offshore wind industry in the State of New York and the country,” said Gordian Raacke, Executive Director of Renewable Energy Long Island. “We commend Governor Cuomo and LIPA for showing visionary leadership in the transition to renewable energy and thank all who have advocated for offshore wind energy over the last couple of decades.”

Click here for the entire news release (1/25/2017) with quotes from elected officials, business, labor & enviro leaders.

Click here to read offshore wind support statements from Long Island leaders

Click here to learn more about the South Fork Wind Farm to be built 30 miles east of Montauk

Click here to view offshore wind support letters from regional advocacy organizations

The majority of Long Islanders supports an offshore wind farm proposed for 30 miles east of Montauk Point.

Deepwater Wind, a developer of offshore wind farms, has submitted a proposal to LIPA for Deepwater ONE, an offshore wind farm to be located about 30 miles east of Montauk Point of Long Island. The project will not be visible from Long Island. Deepwater is in the process of building a much smaller offshore wind farm off Rhode Island and it hopes that this and the Deepwater ONE project for Long Island will help jumpstart the offshore wind industry in the United States.

Powering Long Island's East End. Deepwater ONE would provide a much-needed source of new and clean energy for the East End of Long Island. With 35 of the largest and latest-technology offshore wind turbines, Deepwater ONE would produce enough power for 120,000 households on Long Island.

Offshore wind is a clean energy source that will improve air quality on Long Island. Deepwater ONE can displace the emission of many tons of carbon into the atmosphere every year, for decades. And all transmission cables will be buried deep below existing roadways and shoreline features – no overhead cables or new utility poles required.

Cost-Effective, Clean Energy. Deepwater ONE’s power will be cost-competitive with other sources of power. Importantly, Deepwater ONE will produce most of its energy during peak usage periods late in the day.

Who owns the Site? Deepwater Wind won the nation’s first auction for an offshore wind lease from the U.S. Department of the Interior. In total, the project site is roughly 250 square miles.

When? Deepwater ONE construction could begin in 2017, with the project in-service in 2018.

New Jobs and Investment. Deepwater ONE will create several hundred new jobs on Long Island, including work for engineers, tradesmen and women, and the gamut of jobs necessary to build and maintain a major project like this one.

Click here to read more about the project on Deepwater Wind's website.

Deepwater One Press Release:

Deepwater Wind Proposes Powering Long Island’s East End With Renewable Energy From Offshore Wind Farm

Wind Farm Will Not Be Visible from Long Island

March 26, 2014 – In response to the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA)’s request for new sources of renewable energy, Deepwater Wind is proposing supplying Long Island with more than 200 megawatts of renewable energy from Deepwater ONE – an offshore wind farm located approximately 30 miles east of Montauk, New York. At this distance, the wind farm will be “over the horizon,” and not visible from any point on Long Island.

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reLI’s mission is to empower communities on Long Island and beyond through renewable energy outreach and education. We do this by 1) serving as a resource to help communities join the global 100% renewable energy movement, and 2) providing consumer-friendly information on commercial and residential clean energy technologies such as solar, wind and energy efficiency. Our website features a clean energy contractor locator making it simple to connect customers and clean energy companies.