New York’s Clean Energy Momentum Is Real. Now It’s Time to Build on It

By Marguerite Wells & Esther Rosario | April 22, 2026

New York’s clean energy future is being shaped in real time, against a backdrop of growing volatility in global fossil fuel markets. From the impacts of international conflict driving uncertainty in oil prices to recent spikes in natural gas costs during extreme winter weather, New Yorkers are feeling firsthand how unstable and unpredictable our current energy system can be.

The solution: clean energy that is generated and used close to home. Building out local, renewable energy sources that protect consumers, communities, and creates good family-sustaining union jobs throughout New York.

In New York, we’ve made a lot of progress to be proud of. At a time when offshore wind projects have faced unprecedented federal challenges, New York stood firm to keep workers on the job. The state hit its 6 GW community solar goal early, bringing down energy costs for families. We’re also putting zero-emission school buses on the road, cleaning up the air our kids breathe, and bold steps like congestion pricing show a willingness to tackle big problems head-on.

But this moment isn’t just about looking back. We need to chart the path for what’s next.

Right now, 1,500 megawatts of land-based renewable energy projects are under construction across New York. Another 1,000 megawatts will begin construction this summer. Off our shores, 1,800 megawatts of wind projects are being built. These projects mean paychecks for workers, new economic activity for local communities, and a stronger, more reliable electric grid.

Just as important, the workforce is ready. Thousands of union workers have trained for this transition and stand ready to build the infrastructure needed to power New York’s future. Ensuring these projects move forward means ensuring those workers can get on the job, supporting families and communities across the state.

Affordability must remain central to this effort. Expanding renewable generation helps stabilize energy costs by reducing exposure to volatile fossil fuel markets. The benefits are already clear. During Winter Storm Fern, South Fork Wind help stabilize Long Island’s grid significantly during extreme cold. During last June’s heatwave, solar energy saved New Yorkers $90 million in a single day. Our continued investment will result in even more savings for our communities.

Beyond our utility bills, clean energy investments are delivering significant returns. South Fork Wind alone has created more than 1,000 jobs and revenues from Ørsted have helped fund critical projects like dredging the Montauk Inlet, supporting the region’s fishing industry. In addition, Empire Wind has put nearly 4,000 people to work during its construction phase, both within the lease area and in revitalization of the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal and the project will invest over $1.7 billion in New York’s economy by 2030. Finally, Sunrise Wind will bring $700 million in investment to Suffolk County and create 800 direct jobs and thousands of indirect jobs in the state.

Despite unprecedented challenges, New York has made real progress on our clean energy transition, with tangible benefits already being felt in communities across the state. But we cannot afford to slow down now. To keep the lights on and bills low, our State must remain hyper-focused on ensuring clean energy projects continue to move forward and that workers remain at the center of this transition.

With continued leadership, the State can leverage $5 billion in expiring federal tax credits to keep shovels in the ground, create union jobs, and deliver a cleaner, more affordable energy future for all New Yorkers.

Marguerite Wells, Executive Director of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York (ACE NY) and Esther Rosario, Executive Director of Climate Jobs New York (CJNY)