New Report: A Turning Point for New York's Offshore Wind Energy
Business, Environment & Energy Groups Call on Governor Cuomo to Seize Clean Energy Opportunity
09-13-2012
Contact:
Melissa Andreychek, Environmental
Advocates of New York,
mandreychek@eany.org
or (518) 462-5526 x239
David VanLuven, Environment
New York,
david@environmentnewyork.org
or (518) 364-0246
Adrienne Esposito, Citizens
Campaign for the Environment,
aesposito@citizenscampaign.org
or (631) 384-1378
Carol Murphy, Alliance for Clean Energy New
York,
cemurphy@aceny.org or (518) 701-9085
(ALBANY, NY)—New York State can create jobs while powering our
homes and businesses with local, clean energy, but only if Governor Cuomo takes the right steps now, according to a new
report released today by national and state business, environment, and energy groups. The Turning Point for Atlantic Offshore Wind Energy: Time for Action to Create Jobs, Reduce Pollution, Protect Wildlife & Secure America’s Energy Future details
the economic and environmental benefits of offshore wind energy, the
progress made to-date, potential obstacles to that progress, and a
prosperous path forward.
“America’s Atlantic coast has some of the best offshore wind energy
resources in the world, the technology to harvest it is ready right now,
and we have workers ready to do the job,” said Catherine Bowes,
the National Wildlife Federation’s senior manager for new energy
solutions and lead author of the report. “We need to take advantage of
this golden opportunity to make our electricity supply cleaner, more
wildlife-friendly, and more secure.”
“The New York Building Congress
is committed to advocating for an adequate supply of clean, cost-effective, and
reliable power to support the continued growth of the New York City economy,”
said Richard T. Anderson, New York Building Congress President. “Offshore wind
can help the City achieve this goal as a realistic clean energy option, and an
important untapped opportunity for the region’s construction and manufacturing
industries.”
“The report provides a
sound and comprehensive analysis of offshore U.S. wind energy markets, challenges,
and recommendations to advance this important component in the nation’s overall
energy strategy,” said Kevin Corbett, Vice President, AECOM. “More importantly,
the report comes at a critical time as policymakers seek to expand the use of
safe, environmentally friendly, reliable, and efficient energy sources to help
meet the nation’s growing demand.”
“With progress
short-circuited in Washington, New York has an unprecedented opportunity to
lead the nation in clean energy,” said Marcia Bystryn, President of the New
York League of Conservation Voters. “Offshore wind energy will not only help
clean the air, it will create the kind of 21st century jobs that New
York State desperately needs. For the sake of our economy and environment, we
urge Governor Cuomo, Senate Majority Leader Skelos, and Speaker Silver to
support offshore wind energy in New York.”
Among the highlights of the report:
- Offshore wind energy will be an economic powerhouse for America.
Harnessing the 52 gigawatts of Atlantic
offshore wind energy – just 4 percent of the estimated generation
potential of this massive resource – could generate $200 billion in
economic activity, create 300,000 jobs, and sustain power for about 14
million homes. THe Great Lakes and New York State's Atlantic Coast have a combined 147 gigawatts of offshore wind potential, enough to generate electricity for all of New York's homes.
- New York is closer than ever to bringing offshore wind energy ashore. Steady progress has been made over the last few years to make offshore wind energy a reality for New York, thanks to the active engagement of key public and private stakeholders. Several energy developers are planning projects off New York's coast, and it is estimated that turbines placed off the coast of New York City could generate 10 percent of the cities' electricity from offshore wind in the next 10 years.
- Despite this progress, leadership is urgently needed to ensure offshore wind energy becomes a reality in New York:
- The New York Power
Authority (NYPA) and the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) must issue a
request for proposals from wind developers for the Long Island–New York City
Offshore Wind Project as soon as possible. This project is proposed for 350
megawatts of generation, with the ability to expand to 700 megawatts, giving it
the potential to be the largest offshore wind project in the country. A 350
megawatt wind facility would displace about 540,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2)
annually, equivalent to removing 120,000 cars from local roads.
-
In response to its request
for proposals from electricity suppliers, LIPA must establish a power purchase
agreement with an offshore wind project closest to operation. LIPA is currently
soliciting proposals to purchase 1,000 to 2,500 megawatts of new and/or
repowered electricity from energy firms – a substantial opportunity to
integrate local, clean offshore wind energy into New York’s energy mix.
“Installing
wind turbines in the Atlantic Ocean can lead to a resurgence in New York’s port
and related industries, help New York develop a sustainable economy for
tomorrow, and create thousands of jobs in the next few years,” said David
VanLuven, Executive Director of Environment New York. “This should be one of
New York's top energy priorities.”
“Environmental, business, public health, and labor groups
know the benefits of offshore wind: cleaner air, a stronger economy, and more
jobs,” said Gordian Raacke, Executive Director of Renewable Energy Long Island.
“This report makes it clear there is no time to waste investing in this
abundant and locally available energy source.”
“Europe has been harnessing wind off its coast for
more than two decades,” said Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director of Citizens
Campaign for the Environment. “It’s time for New York to catch up. Under the
leadership of Governor Cuomo, New York has the opportunity to put this proven
technology to work for the economic and environmental benefit of the Empire
State. More time lost hurts New York and our nation.”
“Offshore wind is ready for deployment, but the
industry needs a clear signal that New York is committed to supporting this
technology and investing in an advanced energy economy,” said Carol E. Murphy,
Executive Director of Alliance for Clean Energy New York. “We strongly
encourage our state’s leaders and policymakers to heed the recommendations of
this report and ensure New York doesn't miss out on an important opportunity to
expand its clean energy portfolio.”
“Deploying offshore wind is key – not only to reducing the
pollution that is fouling our air and devastating our climate, but also to
developing the renewable energy future needed to create a vibrant and
sustainable economy,” said Ross Gould, Environmental Advocates of New York’s
Air & Energy Program Director. “Governor Cuomo must take decisive action
now to make New York a leader in offshore wind.”
“Offshore wind energy can generate explosive job growth,
not just by putting up turbines but also loading ships, developing cutting edge
technologies – the ripple effect goes right up the supply chain,” said Sail Van
Nostrand, Chairman of Long Island Solar Energy Industries Association. “We can
preserve the outdoor traditions that have made our coastal communities special
while strengthening our economy, energy security, and environment for future
generations.”
“On Long Island, we’re fortunate to live near the
Ocean and the Sound, which is great for days at the beach and for developing
clean, renewable energy for our homes and businesses, said Peter Gollon, Energy
Chair for the Long Island Sierra Club. “Offshore wind is already a proven
technology in Europe, and now New York could be the first state to bring this
clean, safe, and reliable energy source to the U.S. It’s time for New York’s
leaders to invest in offshore wind here and build a healthy, clean energy
future for our kids.”
“Wind energy holds the promise of providing truly
clean, dependable energy, while creating jobs right here in the U.S.,” said Bob
DiBenedetto, President/Executive Director of HealthyPlanet. “It is one of the
fastest growing forms of energy production, and when properly sited, has very
little downside. On the other hand, we all pay the price for dirty fossil
fuels. Most of that cost is, however, not reflected in our utility bills, but
in the form of increased healthcare costs, water and air pollution, economic
and geopolitical instability, and via the heavy burden of climate change to be
borne by this and all future generations. Utility-scale wind power is
affordable and the technology is available today. It's a win-win for all!”
The Turning Point for Atlantic Offshore Wind Energy:
Time for Action to Create Jobs, Reduce Pollution, Protect Wildlife & Secure
America’s Energy Future was released by Alliance for Clean Energy New York, Citizens Campaign
for the Environment, Environment America, Environment New York, Environmental
Advocates of New York, HealthyPlanet, Long Island Solar Energy Industries
Association, National Wildlife Federation, New York Building Congress, New York
League of Conservation Voters, New York Public Interest Research Group, Renewable
Energy Long Island, and Sierra Club.
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