After Years Of Planning, Cuomo Green Lights Wind Farm Off Montauk

MONTAUK, NY — Gov. Andrew Cuomo approved two offshore wind farms in Long Island waters Thursday, signing what is to be the nation's largest offshore wind agreement.

Cuomo was joined by former Vice President Al Gore to sign the agreement. It will create two offshore wind farms miles from the Long Island mainland, which will generate 1,700 megawatts of renewable energy — the largest renewable energy procurement by any state in the country, Cuomo said — which will be enough to power more than 1 million homes. It will also create 1,600 jobs and generate $3.2 billion in economic activity, according to Cuomo.

At the same time, Cuomo also signed the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), which adopts the most ambitious and comprehensive climate and clean-energy legislation in the country, the governor said.

"The environment and climate change are the most critically important policy priorities we face," said Cuomo. "They literally will determine the future — or the lack thereof. Even in today's chaos of political pandering and hyperbole there are still facts, data and evidence — and climate change is an undeniable scientific fact. But cries for a new green movement are hollow political rhetoric if not combined with aggressive goals and a realistic plan on how to achieve them. With this agreement, New York will lead the way in developing the largest source of offshore wind power in the nation, and today I will sign the most aggressive climate law in the United States of America. Today we are true to the New York legacy — to lead the way forward, to govern with vision and intelligence, to set a new standard, and to match our words with action."

The two offshore wind farms are in two different locations: one is about 30 miles east of Montauk Point, and the other is about 14 miles south of Jones Beach. The companies that are running the wind farms have pledged to invest more than $287 million in the state to help maximize the benefits of offshore wind, Cuomo said.

In addition, in order to help train the workers that will be needed to work the wind farms, a new Offshore Wind Training Institute will be established to educate, train and employ New Yorkers. Offshore wind will utilize many of the same labor trades that have driven New York's infrastructure and economy for the past several decades.

The CLCPA, which Cuomo also signed today, requires the state to achieve a carbon-free electricity system by 2040 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions 85 percent below 1990 levels by 2050, setting a new standard for states and the nation to expedite the transition to a clean energy economy. The new law will drive investment in clean energy solutions such as wind, solar, energy efficiency and energy storage, Cuomo said. Implementation of the CLCPA will target investments to benefit disadvantaged communities, create tens of thousands of new jobs, improve public health and quality of life and provide all New Yorkers with more robust clean energy choices.

"Today's announcements continue to show that New York is leading the way toward a green economy," said Sen. Todd Kaminsky. "The CLCPA sets the most aggressive green energy goals in the country and the 1,700 megawatt wind power awarded is a major step to fulfill them. While Washington is asleep at the wheel, now is the moment for bold, global change."
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The issue of the offshore wind farm has been on the table in Montauk for years. In 2017, residents raised questions about the project, that has had some in the community divided.

The East Hampton Historical Society's Clinton Academy on Main Street hosted an open house with Deepwater Wind of Providence, RI. Last year, Orsted, of Denmark, acquired Deepwater Wind, teaming up with Eversource. Also awarded a contract Thursday was Equinor of Norway.

Changes on the East End have long been subject to scrutiny and criticism, with residents raising concerns in recent years about aircraft noise, land preservation and development — as well as the impacts of wind turbines in local waters.

The wind power project has sparked debate on both sides of the issue, judging by the wall-to-wall crowd that attended.

Attendees comprised a cross-section of East Hampton: Local fishermen had questions about the possible effects on their catch. Montauk's Chuck Morici and Bruce Beckwith had questions about the future of cod fishing. Conservationist Larry Penny, family groups, and members of local fire departments, some who are also fishermen, were also well represented.

In January, 2017, it was a win for renewable energy as the Long Island Power Authority's board of trustees voted unanimously to approve the nation's largest offshore wind farm just 30 miles southeast of Montauk.

The vote came two weeks after Cuomo called on LIPA to approve the wind farm project and announced an commitment to develop up to 2.4 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2030 in his regional State of the State address on Long Island. The 2.4 gigawatt target, enough power generation for 1.25 million homes, is the largest commitment to offshore wind energy in United States history, he said at the time.

"New York leads the nation in pioneering clean energy innovation, and this bold action marks the next step in our unprecedented commitment to offshore wind, as well as our ambitious long term energy goal of supplying half of all electricity from renewable sources by 2030," Cuomo said.

The project, he said, will also create high-paying jobs, continue an effort to combat climate change, and help to preserve the environment for current and future generations.

The LIPA board approved a contract submitted by Deepwater Wind for the South Fork Wind Farm after a year-long process engaging the private sector for ideas and detailed cost modeling.

Other elements of LIPA's South Fork energy portfolio include transmission enhancements and additional clean energy solutions such as battery storage and consumer electricity demand reduction.

Advancing technology and innovation reduced the project's all-in wind energy price to be competitive with other renewable energy sources, the release explained.

In 2017, New York State Senator Kenneth LaValle added, "Wind and other alternative energy sources are critically important components in our overall energy strategy. This project will greatly bolster the East End's energy reliability in an environmentally compatible manner, help stabilize rates, and create much needed construction jobs in the region."

New York State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. was also happy about the vote. "Long Island, and particularly the East End, faces unique energy and economic challenges. As one of the few parts of Long Island in which energy demands continue to grow, we face a steadily increasing need for new sources of power. Our existing electricity grid is operating at its limits and, given our population density and our commitment to conservation, building any new energy infrastructure here is difficult."

LIPA's vote, he said, will broaden its commitment to maintaining a renewable energy portfolio. "Not only will this help the South Fork meet its increasing energy demand, but will do so in an environmentally responsible manner, creating jobs for our state," he said.

The vote was a win for environmentalists who celebrated the victory.

Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, was jubilant: "Our transition from fossil fuels to renewables has just taken a giant leap forward with this historic decision. This is a game changer, a legacy that all New Yorkers will be proud of. By tackling climate change head-on, New York is proving to be a global leader."

And, said Gordian Raacke, Executive Director of Renewable Energy Long Island, "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. 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."