NRDC, Hochul Celebrate New York’s First Offshore Wind Project as Good News for Climate, Public Health, and Jobs

ALBANY, NY – Today marks the completion of the South Fork offshore wind project off of Long Island, which is New York’s first offshore wind project and the third offshore wind project in the U.S. The completion of this project and the other offshore wind projects to follow are necessary for the implementation of the Climate Leadership & Community Protection Act, which aims to achieve 9 GW offshore wind by 2035. NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) and partners also worked with Orsted, the developer of the South Fork, on a set of protections for the endangered North Atlantic right whale.

The following is reaction from Kit Kennedy, NRDC's Managing Director, Power Division, Climate & Energy:

"Governor Hochul’s leadership has given new life to the U.S. offshore wind industry. The benefits that South Fork Wind and other offshore wind projects will bring to our state are profound. A successful buildout of offshore wind has the potential to revolutionize how New Yorkers power their homes and improve the quality of the air they breathe. It will catalyze the localization of clean energy manufacturing, reinvigorating New York’s ports and harbors, and training and deploying skilled union workers. Moreover, it will play a pivotal role in enhancing air quality in environmental justice communities and safeguarding the ocean environment and wildlife.

“Meeting the goals outlined in the Climate Act is not only required by law, but it is crucial for safeguarding the health of everyday New Yorkers. Pollution continues to take a heavy toll on our state and disproportionately impacts low-income communities and communities of color. Extracting and burning fossil fuels leads to thousands of deaths every year; and thousands more emergency room visits and hospitalizations for asthma, heart, and lung problems. Rapid deployment of offshore wind is an opportunity to accelerate the retirement of the polluting oil and gas power plants that have been impacting disadvantaged communities for decades.”

For more information, read Kit's blog on the South Fork offshore wind project.

NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 3 million members and online activists. Established in 1970, NRDC uses science, policy, law, and people power to confront the climate crisis, protect public health, and safeguard nature. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Bozeman, MT, Beijing and Delhi (an office of NRDC India Pvt. Ltd). Visit us at www.nrdc.org and follow us on Twitter @NRDC.