From New Media Project: With jumpstart from Biden administration, New York offshore wind is officially “open for business”
By Elana Knopp
Last week, the Biden administration pulled the trigger on offshore wind with a bold infrastructure plan to rapidly deploy large-scale offshore wind projects, catalyze the domestic supply chain and create thousands of union jobs.
With the announcement by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) of a new Wind Energy Area in the New York Bight—an area of shallow waters between Long Island and the New Jersey coast— comes the potential of 25,000 development and construction jobs between 2022 and 2030, as well as an additional 7,000 jobs in communities supported by this development. The lease area also has the potential to support up to 4,000 operations and maintenance jobs annually, and approximately 2,000 community jobs in the longer term.
The New York Bight is adjacent to the largest metropolitan population center in the U.S., home to more than 20 million people and a sizable workforce that has been waiting on this news since BOEM indicated its intent to open the area in 2018. The next step for the federal agency will be the publication of a Proposed Sale Notice, followed by a formal public comment period and a lease sale in late 2021 or early 2022.
“I think we’ve seen the prioritization of the New York Bight in this administration, and with Amanda Lefton, who’s a native New Yorker heading up BOEM now,” Mariah Dignan, Long Island Organizer at Climate Jobs New York (CJNY), told NPM. “We were all hoping and looking for this review of these areas for three years, and after really looking at and considering coexistence with the ocean users and doing due diligence, we were able to see this happen. I think it’s an exciting next step, and it really provides more confidence in the offshore wind industry that the U.S.--and especially New York--is open for business with these additional wind energy areas, and that there’s going to be a real pipeline of projects here.”
The Empire State got a major jumpstart on offshore wind in 2019 with the enactment of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), which established aggressive, legally binding targets to completely transition the state’s economy off fossil fuels. The law incorporates significant renewables targets, including 9,000 MW of offshore wind by 2035.
Aligned with these targets is a shared goal from the Departments of Interior (DOI), Energy (DOE), and Commerce (DOC) to deploy 30 GW of offshore wind in the U.S. by 2030, triggering more than USD 12b per year in capital investment in projects on both U.S. coasts. It will also create tens of thousands of union jobs, with more than 44,000 workers employed in offshore wind by 2030, and nearly 33,000 additional jobs in communities supported by offshore wind activity.
BOEM now plans to advance new lease sales and complete review of at least 16 Construction and Operations Plans (COPs) by 2025, representing more than 19 GW of offshore wind energy.
“You can see a real prioritization from BOEM and from this administration with the multitude of announcements--the 30 GW by 2030 initiative, prioritization of port infrastructure investment to develop a domestic supply chain, making sure that that’s American steel in our waters, the vast research and development funding,” Dignan said. “President Biden is really putting the wind at our backs now, so it’s time to drive it home and make sure these projects move forward.”
BOEM has posted a Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for Orsted ’s 1,100 MW Ocean Wind farm in New Jersey, putting it in line to become the third commercial-scale offshore wind project in the U.S. The agency previously announced environmental reviews for Vineyard Wind's 800 MW project off the coast of Massachusetts and Orsted’s 132 MW South Fork Wind farm off Long Island and anticipates initiating environmental reviews for up to 10 additional projects later this year.
Ramping it up
Meeting the nation's 2030 offshore wind target will spur significant supply chain benefits, including new port upgrade investments totaling more than USD 500m. Up to two new U.S. factories for each major wind farm component will be needed, including wind turbine nacelles, blades, towers, foundations and subsea cables, and additional cumulative demand of more than seven million tons of steel—equivalent to four years of output for a typical U.S. steel mill. It will also mean the construction of up to six specialized turbine installation vessels in U.S. shipyards, each representing an investment between USD 250m and 500m.
“It’s incredible to be listening to a White House press briefing and hear the words 'good union jobs' repeated over and over again,” Dignan said. “We have this reprioritization with this new administration. Biden said that he is a union guy, that unions built the middle class, and it is about time that we begin seeing and reaping the benefits of that. The President is really setting the tone here, so now it ’s on in the labor movement to go and empower our members to help make it happen.”
Labor organizations like North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) lauded the infrastructure proposal, calling it “broad in scope and robust in funding,” also citing it as the “last best chance” for the U.S.to remain a leading superpower and counter China’s emergence in the global economy.
“With this level of investment, it will further enable NABTU to train women, communities of color, veterans, and the formerly incarcerated for construction careers through pre-apprenticeship and registered apprenticeship training programs,” NABTU Pres. Sean McGarvey said in a released statement. “None of this would be possible without the Biden-Harris administration’s already strong commitment for labor standards on any infrastructure project receiving federal financial support, including ones in the clean energy industry."
New York recently upped the ante in its quest to establish itself as the nation's offshore wind leader with its second offshore wind procurement, in which NYSERDA selected Equinor's Empire Wind 2 and Beacon Wind projects for contract negotiations. Together, these projects total nearly 2,500 MW, enough to power 1.3 million homes.
With these awards, New York now has five offshore wind projects in active development – the largest offshore wind pipeline in the nation totaling more than 4,300 MW and representing nearly 50 percent of the capacity needed to meet the state's offshore wind goal of 9,000 MW by 2035.
The South Fork, Sunrise Wind, Empire Wind 1 & 2, and Beacon Wind projects will eventually power over 2.4 million homes, create more than 6,800 jobs and pump USD 12.1b into the regional economy.
"Long Islanders and New Yorkers--we’re ready," Dignan said. "We are gearing up and ready to make this a reality for our region. We have the most well-trained and safe workforce that there is, especially in the New York labor movement. We have the trades and skills developed and ready to go. What we are looking forward to figuring out with the state and industry is getting more concrete job numbers so that we can start upscaling our apprenticeship programs in the building trades that really show people how you earn while you learn a trade. We could start scaling up those programs so that when we’re ready to go in the short few years to getting steel in the water, that we have the numbers and the workforce ready to do that.”
With the federal offshore wind goal of 30 GW just nine years away, CJNY has hit the ground running, collaborating with NYSERDA, the Dept. of Labor, and local labor unions to accelerate education and training programs as the state readies to deploy a massive workforce.
“It’s not only about the thousands of jobs-- it’s about the quality of those jobs and treating workers with respect and dignity,” Dignan said. “I think that’s been long lost in our society. That is our central tenet in the labor movement--to raise the standard of living for all working people by providing good, family-sustaining wages with commensurate benefits, protecting our workers, making sure that they have access to healthcare. I think we are really starting to see a shift that this is how we should create this clean energy economy. We’re at the center, quite literally, with this New York Bight offshore wind industry, and we’re extremely anxious to work with the state, with industry, with all of our partners to make it happen.
STATEMENT ON NEW YORK’S HISTORIC RENEWABLE ENERGY JOB STANDARDS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 6, 2021
CONTACT: Jeff Vockrodt, Executive Director, jvockrodt@climatejobsny.org, 917-818-3143
CLIMATE JOBS NY STATEMENT ON NEW YORK’S HISTORIC RENEWABLE ENERGY JOB STANDARDS
The budget deal passed today represents a crucial step forward for promoting good family-sustaining, community-supporting union jobs in the renewable energy sector. We applaud Governor Cuomo, Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, Speaker Heastie, and other key legislative leaders for adopting ground-breaking labor standards and economic-development provisions addressing construction, operations and maintenance, and manufacturing work in the sector.
Since our founding, Climate Jobs NY has prioritized climate action—from New York’s commitment to procure 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind power to doubling funding for solar on schools and beyond. And as we continue to push for action at the scale climate science demands, we must ensure that our collective investments both take on climate change and lift up New York workers and communities.
The budget bill passed today includes:
Prevailing wage and project labor agreement requirements for construction on renewable-energy projects that are 5 megawatts or larger
For operations and maintenance work, a requirement that system owners on projects 5 megawatts and larger enter into labor peace agreements
A requirement that covered projects buy American steel and iron where feasible
Provisions to incentivize procurement of New York State renewable energy equipment and supplies
We applaud today’s decisive action for New York workers and communities, and we look forward to continuing to work with our allies to build a clean-energy economy in New York that works for everyone, with good union jobs, more equitable communities, and a more resilient New York.
Gary LaBarbera, President of the New York State Building & Construction Trades Council and Climate Jobs NY Director, said, “This is excellent news for New York. This accomplishment reinforces that good middle-class careers with benefits must be—and now will be—central to our state’s sustainable economy. We’re grateful to Governor Cuomo, Assembly Speaker Heastie and Senate Majority Leader Stewart Cousins for their continued advocacy in support of our working men and women, and we look forward to continuing to work with these exceptional leaders in creating good jobs and economic opportunity as we build towards the future.”
Vincent Alvarez, President of the New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO, and Climate Jobs NY Director, said, "We commend Governor Cuomo, Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, and Speaker Heastie for their leadership in moving this groundbreaking legislation, which will not only ensure that we're addressing the climate crisis but also creating good union jobs at all stages of work throughout the renewable energy system.”
Mario Cilento, President of the New York State AFL-CIO and Climate Jobs NY Executive Committee member, said, "This is a tremendous victory that was made possible by working closely with our partners to address climate change in a way that will result in the creation of solid jobs utilizing a highly skilled workforce. We have set a high bar by securing historic labor standards that include prevailing rate, labor peace, Buy American and Buy New York when renewable energy credits are awarded on large scale projects."
Dennis Trainor, Vice President for CWA District One and Climate Jobs NY Executive Committee member, said, "This year's budget deal takes a huge step towards ensuring that jobs created by New York's massive investment in offshore wind power—both temporary assembly and construction jobs and long-term operations, maintenance and manufacturing jobs—will be good jobs covered by high labor standards. We are particularly excited that the package contains important incentives to source wind turbine manufacturing in-state and that New York State is leveraging its investment to jump-start an in-state green manufacturing supply chain.”
Henry Garrido, Executive Director of District Council 37, AFSCME, and Climate Jobs NY Executive Committee member said, “New York is a labor town deserving of the gold standard in labor laws and practices. If we’re going to lead the way on saving the planet, we must use our union brothers and sisters to do so. I commend Governor Cuomo, Majority Leader Stewart- Cousins and Speaker Heastie on their commitment to New York's energy future and expanding the middle class by creating good, union jobs.”
William Lynn, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 30 Business Manager, IUOE International Vice President, and Climate Jobs NY Executive Committee member, said, “The foundation of a renewable energy economy must be family-sustaining, unionized jobs throughout every project. IUOE Local 30 members operate and maintain the power generation sector in New York State and we applaud our elected leaders in Albany for sharing in our vision of what a just economy means – one committed to not only what is good for our environment but also committed to solid union jobs that create strong communities and a voice for workers. The labor standards included in this bill for construction workers as well as operations and maintenance workers will go a long way to creating a just economy in this sector.”
John R. Durso, President of the Long Island Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, and Climate Jobs NY Executive Committee member, said, “New York State has led the nation in the scope and scale of building a clean energy economy. The firm commitments in the state budget for strong labor standards, including project labor agreements, labor peace agreements, buy American provisions, and Build New York incentives will set the stage for economic recovery. These protections ensure working people will benefit from an improved environment and share in the prosperity created by investments in the renewable energy sector.”
Jeff Vockrodt, Executive Director of Climate Jobs NY, said, "These basic labor standards and economic-development provisions are foundational for us as we continue to push for investment in climate action and green infrastructure at the scale science demands. We applaud Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, Speaker Heastie, and other key legislative leaders, as well as Governor Cuomo and his team for securing these standards for New York workers in the clean-energy economy."
Julie Tighe, President of the New York League of Conservation Voters, said, "New York is on a path to a green recovery. With a budget that prioritizes good-paying clean energy jobs and invests in environmental programs that will put families back to work, our state is fighting both the climate and fiscal crisis. Sustainability and the green economy have always been inextricably linked, and these important job standards are proof of that. We thank Governor Cuomo, Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, and Speaker Heastie for their leadership."
Rich Schrader, New York Policy and Legislative Director at the NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council), said, “Connecting renewable energy projects with livable wage standards in New York is a win-win for the environment, for workers, and for the economic recovery of the state. Promoting clean energy is essential to meeting the state’s climate goals, and working men and women supporting that fight deserve good opportunities and equitable treatment.”
Allison Considine, Sierra Club NY Campaign Representative, said, “Renewable energy is the future, and tying that future to good jobs with benefits is crucial to ensuring that as New York becomes a leader in sustainability, we also become a leader in fairness, equity, and opportunity for working people. Sustainability and the green economy have always been inextricably linked together, and these important job standards are proof of that.”
ABOUT CLIMATE JOBS NY
Climate Jobs NY (CJNY) is a growing coalition of labor unions—representing more than 2.6 million working New Yorkers—united to combat climate change and reverse inequality. CJNY’s mission is to advocate for a clean energy economy at the scale climate science demands, create good union jobs, and support more equitable communities and a more resilient New York. CJNY’s members include the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York, the New York State Building and Construction Trades Council, the New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO, the New York State AFL-CIO, the Building and Construction Trades Council of Nassau and Suffolk Counties, the Long Island Federation of Labor, CWA District One, Utility Workers Union of America Local 1-2, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 30, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 3, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Third District, the United Association Plumbers and Pipefitters in New York State, 32BJ SEIU, the New York State Nurses Association, Laborers International Union Local 79, AFSCME District Council 37, the Transport Workers Union of America, and Transport Workers Union Local 100.
Statement from Jeff Vockrodt, Executive Director of Climate Jobs NY on President Biden’s American Jobs Plan
“I’m a union guy," President Biden said in introducing his American Jobs plan. "I support unions. Unions built the middle class. It’s about time they start to get a piece of the action."
We applaud the Biden administration’s infrastructure plan, which maps out an economic recovery that prioritizes climate action and includes some of the strongest pro-worker language we’ve seen in decades. The plan lays out a sweeping set of investments in the American economy and the American people by creating good union jobs repairing our nation's infrastructure and building an equitable, green new economy. It includes directives to empower workers and create good jobs with labor standards.
The plan calls for investing in communities most impacted by climate change and inequality and creating new job training programs, all while repairing our highways and bridges, expanding public transit systems, clean-energy production and electric-vehicle infrastructure, and retrofitting schools and other public facilities.
We look forward to working with our partners to realize this once-in-a-generation opportunity to build back better.
Climate Jobs New York (CJNY) is a growing coalition of labor unions representing 2.6 million working men and women at the center of New York’s economy. We are united around a shared goal of combating climate change while reversing income inequality. CJNY’s mission is to advocate for a clean energy economy at the scale climate science demands, create good union jobs, and support more equitable communities and a more resilient New York.
Representatives Rice, Pascrell Applaud Offshore Wind Energy Area Announcement in the New York Bight
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, March 29, 2021
CONTACT:
Stuart Malec – (860) 508-8554
Representatives Rice, Pascrell Applaud Offshore Wind Energy Area Announcement in the New York Bight
Announcement comes after Rice and Pascrell’s bipartisan NY-NJ delegation letter urging the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to make long-overdue wind development area designations
WASHINGTON – U.S. Representatives Kathleen Rice (NY-04) and Bill Pascrell, Jr. (NJ-09) applauded the Biden Administration’s announcement today designating a new priority Wind Energy Area in the New York Bight to clear the way for offshore wind development off the coasts of New York and New Jersey. Today’s announcement comes following a bipartisan letter that Rice, Pascrell and members of the New York and New Jersey congressional delegations sent to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) on February 12, 2021 calling for this designation.
BOEM was originally scheduled to announce new Wind Energy Areas (WEA) in early 2019. After long delays, Rice led a New York delegation letter to BOEM calling for action in August 2020. However, BOEM did not issue any new WEAs during the previous administration. Today’s announcement by the Biden Administration finally moves the process forward.
“I have long been pushing to get offshore wind development moving off the coast of Long Island,” said Rep. Kathleen Rice. “After years of delays, I commend the Biden Administration for taking action right out of the gate to jumpstart offshore wind development and finally get this process moving again. The offshore wind industry will create thousands of good-paying jobs while helping us combat the climate crisis at the same time. Constructing new projects will directly benefit us today and help preserve our environment for generations to come. I look forward to working with the Biden Administration to further advance this critical industry and ensure Long Island continues to play a leading role in America’s clean energy future.”
“Today’s announcement by the Biden administration signals a sea change in American energy policy and a new day in our collective fight against climate change,” said Rep. Bill Pascrell. “Greater investment and innovation in offshore wind power is inherently forward-looking and perhaps the best avenue for reducing our reliance on fossil fuels while simultaneously modernizing US infrastructure for the next century. On top of that, expansion of American wind power ambitions promises a boon of reliable, union-friendly jobs along our shores. Offshore wind energy is a win today and a win for tomorrow. Few regions of our nation and the world face graver consequences from climate change than the Tri-State Area. This announcement by President Biden and his cabinet advancing projects off the New Jersey coast is a down-payment on our national future and the promise of a great future for our children and their children after them.”
The new priority Wind Energy Area announced today is located in the New York Bight—an area of shallow waters between the Long Island and New Jersey coasts. A recent study from Wood Mackenzie shows the New York Bight can support up to 25,000 development and construction jobs from 2022 to 2030, as well as an additional 7,000 jobs in communities supported by this development. The study indicates the New York Bight lease area also has the potential to support up to 4,000 operations and maintenance jobs annually, and approximately 2,000 community jobs, in the years following. This new Wind Energy Area is adjacent to the greater metropolitan Tri-State area— the largest metropolitan population center in the United States with a population greater than 20 million. The next step is for BOEM to publish a Proposed Sale Notice, followed by a formal public comment period and a lease sale in late 2021 or early 2022.
Today’s announcement was met with praise from several local leaders and organizations, including New York Senator Todd Kaminsky, National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA), New York Offshore Wind Alliance, New York League of Conservation Voters, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Climate Jobs NY, and the American Clean Power Association.
"For NY to reach the ambitious wind energy goals outlined in the Climate and Leadership Community Protection Act, we need a federal partner who is equally committed to realizing our region's potential,” said New York State Senator Todd Kaminsky. “This news is exciting and encouraging, and after four disappointing years of watching Washington dither in this respect, also refreshing. Our planet, our country, and our economy all require us to plan now for a green future, and the Biden administration has hit the ground running.”
“American offshore wind is a generational opportunity and today’s news is a step towards realizing this important energy and economic boon,” National Ocean Industries Association President Erik Milito. “More offshore wind opportunities means that infrastructure spending, energy security, and shovel-ready jobs with good wages can be unleashed. Importantly, the same shipbuilders, heavy lift vessel operators, steel fabricators and countless other companies who built the Gulf of Mexico oil and gas sector stand ready to lend their expertise to the American offshore wind industry. We thank Representative Rice and other Members of Congress for their continuous advocacy for offshore wind and the incredible benefits it will bring to communities across the country.”
“The Administration’s wide-ranging announcements today regarding offshore wind development are staggering in their scope and magnitude and represent a true commitment to this new American clean energy industry,” said Joe Martens, Director of the New York Offshore Wind Alliance. “Importantly, the Administration has hit the ground running with national offshore wind goals, a new wind energy area in the New York Bight, port and other infrastructure investments and commitments to labor. The New York Offshore Wind Alliance stands ready to work with the Administration to ensure that offshore wind is undertaken in a way that uses the best science, respects all ocean users and inhabitants and protects marine ecosystems.”
"With the new goal of 30 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2030, creating 80,000 jobs, and a multi-agency program to support the timely, environmentally-sound development of this emerging industry, the Biden-Harris Administration is showing that combating climate change and creating jobs go hand-in-hand,” said Julie Tighe, President of the New York League of Conservation Voters. “Critical investments in port infrastructure and advancing new Wind Energy Areas in the NY Bight – a request New York’s congressional delegation called for - will help New York meet its goal of attaining 9 gigawatts of power from offshore wind, make more space available for offshore wind, and cultivate the supply chain in the U.S. Wind energy can power millions of homes, contribute to our economic recovery, create green jobs, support our communities and slash pollution. We thank Congressmember Rice for her leadership in advancing the green energy revolution on New York's coast."
“After years of delay at the federal level, it’s a relief and a welcome change that the Biden Administration has prioritized saving the planet. The designation of offshore wind areas fills a critical need in the planning process to propel us forward in the fight against climate change. Action today, will save our environment for tomorrow. Kudos to Congresswoman Rice, who had championed the need for offshore wind,” said Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment.
"As today's announcement shows, the Biden administration is acting with urgency to tackle the climate crisis and help kickstart a green economic recovery," said Mariah Dignan, Long Island Organizer for Climate Jobs NY. "This is a crucial step forward for New York. With these new wind energy areas off Long Island's coast, we are at the center of the emerging offshore wind industry. We must make sure these projects continue to move forward and ensure this once-in-a-generation opportunity creates family-sustaining, union jobs for New Yorkers."
“The American Clean Power Association is elated that the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has issued final priority Wind Energy Areas in the New York Bight and looks forward to BOEM holding a lease sale in 2021,” said Heather Zichal, American Clean Power Association CEO. “New York’s goal of bringing 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind online by 2035 is one of the strongest state targets in the country and finalizing WEAs including 800,000 acres suitable for multiple offshore wind projects in the NY Bight is a key step in realizing this ambitious target as well as the Biden-Harris Administration’s climate goals. We commend the Administration for recognizing the important economic and environmental benefits offshore wind can bring to our nation.”
Additional information on today’s announcement by the Biden Administration: FACT SHEET -Biden Administration Jumpstarts Offshore Wind Energy Projects to Create Jobs
CJNY Submits Comments on the Initial Report on the New York Power Grid Study
March 22, 2021
Submitted Electronically
Hon. Michelle L. Phillips
Secretary to the Commission
New York State Public Service Commission
Three Empire State Plaza Albany, New York 12223
Re: Case 20-E-0197 Proceeding on Motion of the Commission to Implement Transmission Planning Pursuant to the Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act
Dear Secretary Phillips:
Climate Jobs New York (CJNY) is a growing coalition of labor unions representing 2.6 million working New Yorkers committed to combating both climate change and income inequality. CJNY is dedicated to building a clean energy economy, creating good union jobs, and supporting more equitable communities and a more resilient New York. We appreciate the opportunity to submit comments on the Initial Report on the New York Power Grid Study released on January 19, 2021.
New York’s clean energy economy can only be effectively realized with an efficient and cost-effective transmission infrastructure. We commend the New York State Public Service Commission (the Commission) for authorizing the grid study, and the New York State Energy Research and Development Agency (NYSERDA) and the Department of Public Service (DPS) for preparing the study to address needed upgrades to our electricity grid as we continue to electrify and inject clean renewable energy into New York’s system.
It is clear that robust transmission upgrades are crucial for the state’s long-term energy future. Over the next few years, Phase 1 projects like substation transformers, voltage upgrades, and reconductoring lines to higher capacities must move swiftly. As noted in the report, “proposed Phase 1 local transmission projects would unbottle the delivery of an estimated 6.6 GW of renewable generation,” and local distribution upgrades would unbottle 2 GW of renewables.1 In order to reduce the frequency of congestion, constraints, and curtailments of the electrical grid, as the longer-term Phase 2 projects are being studied we must be sure that this work moves forward as expeditiously as possible. To update the grid in a safe and reliable way requires qualified workers. We must ensure that those who complete the transmission and distribution work are properly qualified, including graduating from a state registered apprenticeship program.
We must also ensure that as we make significant investment in updating New York’s grid, these investments create positive economic development and good jobs for New York communities, as well as building the clean-energy economy of tomorrow.
Successful implementation of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) includes According to the CLCPA, “shaping the ongoing transition in our energy sector to ensure that it creates good jobs and protects workers and communities that may lose employment in the current transition must be key concerns of our climate policy.”2 Additionally, the CLCPA recognizes that “setting clear standards for job quality and training standards encourages not only high-quality work but positive economic impacts.”3
Moreover, to further the goals of the CLCPA and the Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act (Accelerated Renewables Act), the Commission should enact progressive procurement policies for all transmission projects including comprehensive labor standards covering construction, operations, and maintenance employment. These procurement standards will build on the success of recent offshore wind and other large-scale renewable solicitations and are essential to economic development and high-quality, timely completion of clean-energy projects in the State. CJNY proposes the following procurement policies:
● Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) and Community Workforce Agreements for All Construction
The Commission has successfully included PLA requirements for construction workers in its most recent Offshore Wind and large-scale renewables solicitations. These PLAs must cover all phases and locations of construction, including work at dedicated staging and layout areas that may be remote from the actual construction site.
The Commission should expand this proven policy to ensure that all projects that receive financial assistance of more than $100,000 or have a total value of more than $3 million require PLAs.
PLAs generate cost Savings, ensure timely, stable, and efficient project delivery, and provide unparalleled access to the highest quality skilled labor.
● Prevailing Wage (PW) Requirements for Construction and Maintenance Workers
The Commission has included prevailing wage requirements for construction workers in offshore wind and large-scale renewables solicitations.
The Commission should include prevailing wage requirements for all projects that receive financial assistance of more than $100,000 or have a total value of more than $3 million. All of these projects should be required to pay construction and maintenance workers the prevailing wage rate applicable to the classification.4 The transition from fossil fuel-based energy production to energy production based on renewable energy must not be the impetus for slashing living standards for workers.
● Apprenticeship and Labor-Management Training Partnership Utilization Requirement
The Commission should require all construction contractors and subcontractors on all projects, including those that participate in power purchase agreements, energy performance contracts, or other similar programs, to participate in state-approved apprenticeship programs in the trades in which they are performing work.
Apprenticeship utilization requirements ensure a skilled and safe workforce and provide increased employment opportunities for women, minorities, and members of disadvantaged communities. while the Offshore Wind Study is focused only on bulk transmission and assumes on-ramp transmission is created at POIs, “Local transmission upgrades needed for OSW may thus require additional investments on Long Island, such as LIPA’s proposal to convert part of the 138 kV system to 345 kV, and strengthening some of the underlying 69 kV systems, as presented in the Utility Study.”5 We will need to reimagine our local transmission and distribution infrastructure and this must not unduly burden particular host communities.
Regional coordination and planning are also necessary to mitigate curtailments, congestion, and constraints on the grid along with the associated costs to those inefficiencies. Transmission investment and upgrades are necessary statewide. Toward that end, cost allocation for bulk transmission and related on-ramp and significant distribution upgrades should be shared by ratepayers statewide. As the Commission has previously recognized, it is appropriate to share the investment costs of Clean Energy Standard (CES) aspects across the state to meet CLCPA goals. The Commission has demonstrated this approach for Offshore Wind Renewable Energy Credits, Zero Emission Credits, and Tier 4 Renewable Energy Credits. For example, This is reasonable as all New Yorkers benefit from a more sustainable, resilient, and cleaner energy infrastructure, and would be in accordance with CLCPA standards.
As more Wind Energy Areas (WEAs) are leased and auctioned in federal waters and Tier 4 projects are designated, it will be important to commission additional studies for cost-effective grid modernization. Thousands of megawatts of battery storage will need to be strategically integrated at key points of interconnection (POI), and the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of a meshed/backbone offshore grid will need to be thoughtfully analyzed and put into action. Storage and offshore wind backbone systems will increasingly become integral in creating resilience and enhancing the security of an energy system heavily relying upon intermittent renewables.
CJNY is an eager partner in making New York’s transition to a clean-energy economy successful, and updating the grid plays an essential role. We are committed to helping drive forward the required investments in energy transmission. And as we reimagine our energy infrastructure it is crucial that we prioritize working New Yorkers and New York’s most vulnerable communities by securing comprehensive labor standards for transmission projects. These smart procurement policies will create high-road jobs, promote a broad-based and equitable economic recovery, and ensure timely, quality completion of clean energy projects in New York.
1 Initial Report on the New York Power Grid Study, 21.
2 CLCPA Section 1(8). '
3 CLCPA Section 1(8).
4 Construction work associated with these projects are covered by prevailing wages established under Local Law § 220. Maintenance and building service work associated with these projects are covered by prevailing wages established under Labor Law § 230.
5 Initial Report on the NY Power Grid Study, 72.
Treasury and Labor Departments Award Funding for the First Social Impact Partnership Project
WASHINGTON -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the U.S. Department of Labor are awarding the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) with up to $8.2 million for its project to provide clean energy job training to unemployed and low-wage workers, increase participants’ wages, and to evaluate the training’s effectiveness. This marks the first time that the Treasury Department has awarded funding through the Social Impact Partnership to Pay for Results Act (SIPPRA) program.
“America is facing profound economic and climate crises. We’re still down nearly 10 million jobs from our pre-pandemic peak, and in addition, we’re living in a narrow window in which we can still avoid the most catastrophic effects of climate change,” said Treasury Secretary Janet L. Yellen. “The President has called on us to ‘seize the opportunity that climate change presents,’ and that’s what this grant does: it shows we can help workers and transition to a net-zero economy at the same time.”
The SIPPRA program makes funding available to State and local governments for pay-for-results social impact partnership projects. SIPPRA projects may seek to improve a variety of social problems, including increasing employment, wages, and financial stability for low-income families; improving family health and housing; and reducing recidivism.
NYSERDA will train individuals who are long-term unemployed, low-wage workers, and youth ages 16-24 for energy efficiency occupations. The Authority will receive up to $7.1 million if its clean energy jobs training program increases the participants’ wages. NYSERDA will receive an additional $1.1 million to pay for the costs of independently evaluating the project. A key component of SIPPRA is that projects must produce measurable outcomes before the federal government is required to make an award payment. Similar sector-based training approaches have been shown to improve employment, earnings, and wage rates over a two-year period.
Acting President and CEO of NYSERDA Doreen M. Harris said, “NYSERDA is thrilled to partner with the U.S. Treasury Department, the U.S. Department of Labor, and Social Finance on the first pay for success model in the country that directly supports essential clean energy workforce training. As New York State works to achieve its ambitious clean energy goals, we are diligently working to eliminate barriers to accessing quality jobs within the clean energy sector, especially within disadvantaged communities, and this new approach will drive the necessary scale-up of New York’s clean energy workforce as we transition to a green economy.”
SIPPRA funding is awarded through a competitive process. The Treasury Department selected NYSERDA’s project based on the strength of its application, input from the Commission on Social Impact Partnerships, and in consultation with the Federal Interagency Council on Social Impact Partnerships.
Statement Supporting Public Service Commission’s Approval of South Fork Wind Cable Landing
Mariah Dignan, Long Island Organizer for Climate Jobs NY said:
"Today's groundbreaking approval of New York's first offshore wind cable path is a big win for
Long Islanders and our workforce. With this advancement, we are that much closer
to creating a just and equitable transition to the clean energy economy for all."
Joe Martens, 518.432.1405 ×224 (o), 518.300.0945 (m), jmartens@aceny.org
Kathleen Gasperini, 518.432.1405 x 226 (o), 310.895.0368 (m) kgasperini@aceny.org
Adrienne Esposito, Citizens Campaign, aesposito@citizenscampaign.org
Albany, NY, - March 18. 2021 – “As groups representing local civic, environmental advocacy, labor and the business community, we collectively believe that the advancement of offshore wind projects, such as South Fork Wind, are among the most powerful tools to help New York transition to a cleaner, greener and more resilient clean energy economy. The Public Service Commission’s (PSC) approval today of the project’s cable landing is another milestone along the path to South Fork Wind becoming New York's first offshore wind farm, and we applaud their thorough review and approval of this historic project,
When complete, South Fork Wind will provide enough clean energy to power more than 70,000 homes – reducing carbon emissions, creating green jobs, and helping the state meet its commitment to clean energy. We have stood side-by-side and championed this project because its success is directly tied to the ability of New York to achieve its goals of combating climate change with 100% clean energy, including at least 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind, and because it will create good union jobs in our communities.
Today's PSC approval is a historic vote because it sets New York on the path to a nation-leading offshore wind energy program with South Work Wind serving as the cornerstone of a more sustainable and resilient future. We commend the PSC and its staff, local and state elected officials, the multiple state agencies that were a part of this process, and all of the experts, advocates and community leaders whose efforts over the past two years brought us together and made today's milestone possible. We look forward to the final steps in the process and seeing South Fork Wind emerge as a shining example of a collaborative and community driven approach to clean energy development."
Re: Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Deepwater Wind South Fork, LLC Proposed Wind Energy Facility Offshore Long Island and Public Meetings (Docket ID BOEM-2020-0066)
February 22, 2021
Program Manager
Office of Renewable Energy
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management 45600 Woodland Road, VAM-OREP Sterling, VA 20166
Re: Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Deepwater Wind South Fork, LLC Proposed Wind Energy Facility Offshore Long Island and Public Meetings (Docket ID BOEM-2020-0066)
To Director Amanda Lefton:
My name is Mariah Dignan and I am the Long Island Organizer for Climate Jobs NY. We are a growing coalition of labor unions representing 2.6 million working New Yorkers united to combat climate change and reverse inequality. We are educating our fellow workers, building alliances, and advocating for policy solutions - demonstrating that we do not have to choose between a healthy planet and good jobs. I am a Long Islander acutely aware of the impacts climate change has and continues to have globally and here in my community, so I enthusiastically support the South Fork Wind Project, which clearly demonstrates responsible offshore wind development.
I commend the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) for completing the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) during the COVID-19 pandemic. As we fight to address this public health crisis, BOEM is doing the necessary work to move offshore wind forward. We are undeniably addressing intersectional crises - public health, the economy, environmental justice, and climate change are interwoven with offshore wind development. At a moment when we must make large-scale investments to restart our economy, we should take action on clean energy at the level we know we need to to take on climate change. We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to put ourselves on the path to a low-carbon future while creating new quality careers that provide family-sustaining wages and benefits for communities across the nation.
South Fork Wind is slated to be New York’s inaugural offshore wind project. This is a 15 turbine, 132MW, project contracted by the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) to serve a local demand for energy on the South Fork that will be located 35 miles east of Montauk Point, New York. The project will power 70,000 homes, create hundreds of family-sustaining union jobs, and help the state and Town of East Hampton meet their 100% renewable energy goal.
As noted in the DEIS, the majority of the impacts for the South Fork project are negligible to moderate, and the higher-rated impacts can and must be addressed by mitigation through ongoing stakeholder discussion and outreach. In the following paragraphs, I will detail the developers' engagement and outreach with local labor and the local community as well as the importance of the Beach Lane cable route and the 1X1 nautical mile compromise signed off by the Coast Guard.
Ørsted/Eversource and Long Island Labor Outreach and Engagement
Deepwater Wind South Fork, LLC, also referred to as Ørsted/Eversource, has committed to working with Long Island Labor by using contractors who have Project Labor Agreements with the Building and Construction Trades Council of Nassau and Suffolk Counties and investing in our local workforce with a $10 million Offshore Wind Training Center. In addition, Ørsted/Eversource is investing in Port Jefferson and East Setauket with operations and maintenance facilities that will create hundreds of long-term jobs for Long Islanders.
This project has set the stage for offshore wind developers to work in conjunction with organized labor. Labor unions offer world-class training programs through apprenticeships. By coordinating with industry, we will continue to lead and train the offshore wind workforce of the very near future.
Ørsted/Eversource and Local Community Outreach and Engagement
In addition to working with Long Island labor, the developers have listened, engaged, and altered construction plans based on local community and environmental feedback. This is something we need to replicate in other offshore wind projects. Ørsted/Eversource has worked hand-in-hand over the past few years with the Town of East Hampton to realize additional mitigation efforts that include construction, environmental, and fishery concerns of local residents, businesses, and mariners. To highlight a few of the provisions, there is a commitment to maintain access to Wainscott Beach during construction for pedestrians, emergency vehicles, etc.; a commitment to limit construction activities to the off-season months; a comprehensive fisheries compensation plan; and town and community notice and construction monitoring requirements.
It is worth highlighting that the East Hampton Trustees have unanimously approved the Joint Proposal (JP), and five NYS agencies have invested extensive time and expertise in this process and have also signed onto this proposal. The Town of East Hampton Board and Trustees voted overwhelmingly to support the Host Community Agreement and the easement/lease agreements for the Beach Lane route. Overall, the JP and related agreements clearly demonstrate a methodical and thoughtful approach to working with the community to actualize New York’s first offshore wind project.
The Beach Lane Route is the Best Onshore Cable Route
Not only has the project developer worked with local stakeholders on construction-related and community-benefit agreements, but Ørsted/Eversource has thoroughly vetted and studied cable-landing options which has resulted in the best onshore cable route.
The Beach Lane route for the South Fork export cable mitigates community and environmental impacts as demonstrated in numerous geotechnical field surveys, samplings, and studies both on land and in the water. As noted in the DEIS, the Beach Lane route onshore construction activities would “result in localized, short-term, minor incremental impacts on land use and coastal infrastructure” (BOEM DEIS, 3-154). However, the alternative Hither Hills route would result in construction activities that “could coincide with the projected East Hampton Railroad Station improvements and could increase traffic delays; result in additional traffic rerouting; and increase short-term, construction-related vehicular and equipment emissions that would impact area residents” (BOEM DEIS, 3-154).
The Beach Lane route is the clear option to responsibly construct the onshore activities and would be the least impactful to local residents. This route and related infrastructure upgrades will increase the resilience of Long Island’s transmission infrastructure and inject clean, renewable energy into the grid. The 1X1 nautical mile Compromise
CJNY supports the 1X1 nautical mile turbine layout compromise that responds to commercial fisheries' concerns in the Areas Offshore of Massachusetts and Rhode Island Port Access Route Study. Not only does the Coast Guard approve of this mitigation effort, but adding additional mileage to the layout would only take away from the efficiency and carbon reduction potential the project is meant to address (MARIPARS, 32). We ask BOEM to reject the transit lane alternative which threatens the overall success and viability of not only this project, but future offshore wind projects.
The Importance of South Fork Wind to U.S. Offshore Wind Development
To maximize the economic development and job opportunities in offshore wind, the industry and its potential workforce needs confidence that demand in the U.S. offshore wind market is real. This means we need to move forward promptly in the permitting process to set the stage for this nascent industry. By launching this industry now, the potential for additional jobs multiplies exponentially, with the potential for hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs across the United States. For example, the American Wind Energy Association’s U.S. Offshore Wind Power Economic Impact Assessment Report finds that the United States offshore wind industry will invest $28 to $57 billion into the nation’s economy by 2030 depending on the scale of installations and supply chain growth. In addition, the study concludes that “offshore wind project development, construction, and operations will support 19,000 to 45,000 jobs by 2025 and 45,000 to 83,000 jobs by 2030” (U.S. Offshore Wind Power Economic Impact Assessment Report, 1). This potential all starts now with South Fork.
I urge BOEM to follow the current permitting schedule for this project and to move forward expeditiously on this and other offshore wind projects. The only way to achieve 9GW of offshore wind energy by 2035 -- New York State's goal, enshrined last year in legislation -- is to advance permitting in a timely manner and develop safe and fair conditions with community stakeholders, as was done with South Fork Wind.
We can provide long-term sustainability, economic development, and create a skilled green-economy workforce for a consequential new industry. In this time of bold transformation, smart investments in a clean-energy future can simultaneously put people back to work, build infrastructure to address climate change, and spur economic development in our communities. Thank you for your consideration.
Respectfully submitted,
Mariah Dignan
Long Island Organizer, Climate Jobs NY
Green energy can put the wind in Long Island's sails
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo set the stage for New York State's green energy plan. Credit: Don Pollard
By The NEWSDAY Editorial Board February 9, 2021
Offshore wind is having a moment, and none too soon.
For years, it’s been clear that embracing green forms of energy like wind and solar is key to fighting climate change, which increasingly threatens our region. Now, with the auspicious alignment of recent developments, the winds of change are blowing mostly in the right direction.
Progress has been substantial, as far as it goes. There’s still lots to do. For all the plans announced by state officials, all the interest from offshore wind companies, and all the contracts signed, we still have to:
· build the facilities to manufacture wind farm components,
· improve port infrastructure in Brooklyn and Albany so those parts can be shipped,
· construct the wind farms off Long Island and lay the cables to deliver the energy that will reduce our dependence on greenhouse gas-emitting fossil fuels,
· set up training programs for workers who will maintain the farms, and
· develop the maintenance hubs for those workers.
Delays will be inevitable. Perseverance and communication will be critical. If the permitting process can be responsibly streamlined to allow the consideration of local objections but not let them grind progress to a halt, do it. But baseless NIMBY concerns, like those raised by some Wainscott residents against the landing of an underground cable in that South Fork community, cannot be allowed to derail this fight that’s vital to the health of our region.
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo set the stage with lofty goals: 9,000 megawatts of wind power by 2035 and a carbon-free electrical grid by 2040. With recent awards to Equinor of two more wind farms, generating 2,490 megawatts and joining three other farms already awarded, the state is nearly halfway to its target. Also announced: an agreement with Equinor to build the nation’s first manufacturing plant for offshore wind towers and transition pieces, at the Port of Albany, with finished components to be shipped down the Hudson River. Prompt completion would position New York as a manufacturing hub for the industry in the Northeast and bring hundreds of good-paying jobs and precious revenue, all of it eagerly sought by other states in the region. Stony Brook University and Farmingdale State College are developing flexible programs to train and certify offshore wind industry workers.
The Biden administration’s commitment to offshore wind and its appointment of Long Islander and former Cuomo aide Amanda Lefton to head the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, the agency that oversees the development of offshore wind, are promising. BOEM under the Trump administration stymied offshore wind; now it likely will advance delayed environmental reviews and reconcile differences with New York over suitable offshore wind areas and get them leased.
There’s a lot at stake in the state’s overall green energy program, besides the juice capable of powering 6 million homes. Cuomo says it also will create more than 50,000 jobs and attract $29 billion in private investment. Good environmental policy is good economic policy, too.
Let’s keep moving forward, and keep the winds of change at our backs.
Representatives Rice, Pascrell Lead New York and New Jersey Delegations Letter Calling for Federal Action on Offshore Wind Development
The group of lawmakers is urging the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to issue long-overdue wind development area designations in the New York Bight and to hold new leases.
WASHINGTON – U.S. Representatives Kathleen Rice (NY-04) and Bill Pascrell, Jr. (NJ-09) sent a bipartisan letter today with members of the New York and New Jersey congressional delegations to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), a federal agency within the Department of the Interior, requesting that the agency designate final Wind Energy Areas in the New York Bight and hold new lease auctions for potential developers.
Rice and Pascrell’s letter renews the call for action made to BOEM in a New York delegation letter that Rice led in August 2020. BOEM was scheduled to announce Wind Energy Areas (WEA) in early 2019. However, the Trump Administration did not adhere to this timeline, and two years later, final designations still have not been made. Final WEA designations must be issued by BOEM prior to lease auctions in order for developers to bid on the right to apply for federal permits to construct wind projects in these areas.
Today’s letter was also signed by U.S. Representatives Frank Pallone Jr. (NJ-06), Jerrold Nadler (NY-10), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05), Albio Sires (NJ-08), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Paul D. Tonko (NY-20), Tom Reed (NY-23), Donald M. Payne Jr. (NJ-10), Grace Meng (NY-06), Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Thomas R. Suozzi (NY-03), Joseph D. Morelle (NY-25), Andy Kim (NJ-03), Tom Malinowski (NJ-07), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), Jamaal Bowman, Ed.D. (NY-16), Mondaire Jones (NY-17), and Ritchie Torres (NY-15).
“As a leader in the fight against climate change, New York State has legally committed to generating 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind by 2035--enough energy to power up to six million homes,” said Rep. Kathleen Rice. “But there is no way that New York, New Jersey, or any other state can meet ambitious goals unless the federal government issues new wind energy area designations. The prolonged delays that we experienced during the Trump Administration stalled efforts at the state level, harming both the environment and the economy in the process. That’s why I led this letter with Congressman Pascrell and our delegation colleagues demanding action and requesting a briefing with BOEM to get the ball rolling again. I’m confident that the Biden Administration will heed our call for action and follow through on its promise to prioritize offshore wind.”
“Growing America’s offshore wind industry is a vital path to reducing our reliance on dirty fossil fuels and modernizing America’s infrastructure for future generations. Right now under Governor Phil Murphy, New Jersey is leading the way in expanding clean energy, especially for offshore wind,” said Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. “I look forward to working with President Joe Biden’s administration to build on his offshore wind commitments that will support jobs and fight the negative impacts of climate change. I was proud to see my offshore wind tax incentive enacted into law in the year-end relief bill, and am pleased to partner with Rep. Kathleen Rice to lead our delegations in encouraging the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to help our state and region. Because at the end of the day, protecting our planet for our children and grandchildren must be our ultimate goal.”
The Biden Administration has already taken positive steps related to offshore wind. On January 27, President Biden signed an executive order directing the Interior secretary to identify steps to double offshore wind production by 2030.
Several individuals and groups made statements in support of Rice and Pascrell’s efforts, including New York Senator Todd Kaminsky, New York Offshore Wind Alliance, New York League of Conservation Voters, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Climate Jobs NY, Long Island Association, and National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA).
"Harnessing the power of wind energy is integral to revitalizing our economy, creating good jobs and transitioning our grid to green, renewable resources,” said New York State Senator Todd Kaminsky (9th District). “Representative Rice's push to jumpstart the offshore wind leasing process is vital to our efforts to help our state achieve its ambitious—yet crucial—wind power goals under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. I applaud the Congresswoman for her continued leadership in protecting our planet."
“Research shows that offshore wind in the New York Bight would represent a major boost for the regional economy," said Heather Zichal, CEO of the American Clean Power Association. "We applaud Representative Rice for encouraging the Department of Interior to move forward, designate the final wind energy areas, and hold new lease auctions in the New York Bight, allowing offshore wind power to help address our nation’s dual challenges of revitalizing the economy and combating climate change.”
“The New York Offshore Wind Alliance deeply appreciates the effort of Congresswoman Rice and members of the New York and New Jersey delegations to ensure that BOEM completes the process for designating new wind energy areas in the New York Bight,” said Joe Martens, Director of the New York Offshore Wind Alliance. “This designation and subsequent leasing of new wind energy means family wage jobs, upgrades and investments in the region’s ports, reduced pollution and greenhouse gases and billions of dollars in new investments Without new lease areas off the New York and New Jersey coastline, neither state will be able to meet their aggressive renewable energy and climate goals.”
"New York is moving full steam ahead to meet its ambitious clean energy goals but we need more wind energy areas in the NY Bight to help expand clean energy and create green jobs,” said Julie Tighe, President of the New York League of Conservation Voters. “That's why we need BOEM to finalize these designations and allow Long Island to lead the way on renewable offshore wind power. Thank you to Congressmember Rice for her partnership on this environmental issue."
“Wind energy is blowing into New York and has become instrumental in the historical transition away from fossil fuels to renewable energy,” said Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment. “The progress in reducing our carbon footprint is real but now we need for BOEM to advance wind energy areas so the transition can continue. The five proposed offshore wind farms will take us halfway to our goal of 9,000mw of offshore wind power, but we will not meet our full mandate without additional designated wind energy areas. We are at a critical juncture in changing the way we produce energy and we need the new administration to advance this important piece of the renewable energy puzzle and designate additional wind energy lease areas in the New York Bight this year.”
"The tides are shifting towards the clean energy economy,” said Mariah Dignan, Long Island Organizer for Climate Jobs NY. “With the White House laser-focused on taking action on climate by creating thousands of good union jobs, we can kick- start that here with new offshore wind lease areas in the NY bight."
“The U.S. needs a post-COVID economic recovery and holding an offshore wind lease sale in the New York Bight is a significant step towards a tremendous energy and economic opportunity,” said Erik Milito, President of the National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA). “It has been more than two years since the most recent offshore wind lease auction. BOEM should issue the final Wind Energy Areas (WEA) and hold lease auctions in the New York Bight as quickly as possible. NOIA thanks Representatives Rice and Pascrell and the other signatories for their leadership in advancing new wind opportunities for our nation.”
“Additional investments in offshore wind and renewable energy jobs will help strengthen the Long Island economy,” said Kevin S. Law, President & CEO of the Long Island Association. “And thus, we support Congresswoman Rice’s efforts to have the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management designate the final Wind Energy Areas in the New York Bight.”
New York State Offshore Wind Background:
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed into law the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act on July 18, 2019, which established a legally binding commitment to generate 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind by 2035. Currently, New York State is poised to benefit from five proposed offshore wind projects in federal waters: Empire Wind (816 megawatts, 15-20 miles south of Jones Beach), Sunrise Wind (880 megawatts, 30 miles east of Montauk), South Fork Wind (130 megawatts, 35 miles east of Montauk), Empire Wind 2 (1,260 megawatts), and Beacon Wind (1,230 megawatts). Additional projects are needed in order for the state to achieve 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind energy by 2035. However, new projects cannot get underway until BOEM finalizes new Wind Energy Areas and holds new lease auctions.
Labor Action Alert for Good Union Jobs
The federal permitting process is underway, and we need YOU to comment during the public comment session by FEBRUARY 22 at 5 pm.
On the heels of a successful vote in East Hampton last month, we need YOU to show your support for the South Fork Wind Project that will create good union jobs right here on Long Island.
As a refresher, the South Fork Wind Project is a 15 turbine, 132MW, project contracted by LIPA to serve a local demand of energy on the South Fork that will be located 35 miles east of Montauk Point, New York. The project will power 70,000 homes and create 1,600 family-sustaining jobs. Orsted/Eversource is the developer committed to working with LI Labor by investing in our local workforce with a $10 million Offshore Wind Training Center and using contractors who have Project Labor Agreements with the Nassau/Suffolk Building and Construction Trades Council.
Attached is a graphic to show the different ways you can comment. For convenience, we encourage you to submit a public comment online at https://www.regulations.gov/comment?D=BOEM-2020-0066-0001
You can also help by participating in the virtual open houses on 2/9, 2/11, and 2/16, where oral comments will be accepted and are limited to five minutes. Please register here under the "Virtual Meetings Schedule."
Below are a few samples of language you can copy and paste into the comment box.
I am a Long Island Union Member, and I strongly believe that Americans should not have to choose between a good job and a clean environment—we can and must have both. Ørsted/Eversource's South Fork Wind project is an opportunity to not only drive the nation’s clean energy future but will create quality, family-sustaining union jobs at the same time. I urge BOEM to move forward with South Fork’s permitting process.
As a union member, I support offshore wind. Large-scale utility development like offshore wind will not only help reduce our massive carbon footprint but will also mean a tremendous amount of economic opportunity in the form of jobs and community benefits. We have been preparing for this moment for a very long time. We urge approvals to be as expeditious as possible to get the men and women in the labor movement to work.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to Mariah at mdignan@climatejobsny.org or 646-708-5474.
LI LABOR APPLAUDS EAST HAMPTON APPROVAL OF OFFSHORE WIND ROUTE
LI LABOR APPLAUDS EAST HAMPTON APPROVAL OF OFFSHORE WIND ROUTE
THE LONG ISLAND FEDERATION OF LABOR, NASSAU/SUFFOLK BUILDING TRADES AND CLIMATE JOBS NY SUPPORT EAST HAMPTON’S DECISION TO APPROVE THE BEACH LANE CABLE ROUTE FOR SOUTH FORK WIND AND PROPEL OFFSHORE WIND DEVELOPMENT ON LONG ISLAND
East Hampton’s approval of the Host Community Agreement and easement for the Beach Lane route to site the offshore wind transmission cable is a crucial step forward in New York’s progress to harness 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind energy. Supervisor Van Scoyoc, the Town Board, Ørsted/Eversource, NYS agencies and other parties thoroughly vetted cable route options via environmental studies, surveys, and community engagement to put Long Island on a path towards utilizing offshore wind power. We are now one step closer in leading the green energy economy and putting thousands of New Yorkers to work with good union jobs.
For more information on the resolutions please visit: http://easthamptontown.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_Meeting.aspx?ID=2275
The Host Community Agreement (HCA) provides $28.9 million over the lifetime of the project and will benefit East Hampton residents. The HCA includes direct payments to the Town and Trustees as well as town property taxes on the onshore infrastructure that will provide an additional $4 million over the lifetime of the project. The ongoing negotiations of the Joint Proposal (JP) are the result of years of engagement between the Town, developer, local residents, businesses, mariners and NYS agencies. To highlight a few of the JP provisions, there is a commitment to maintain access to Wainscott Beach during construction for pedestrians, emergency vehicles, etc; a commitment to limit construction activities to the off-season months; a comprehensive fisheries compensation plan; and town and community notice and construction monitoring requirements.
The Beach Lane route for the South Fork export cable mitigates community and environmental impacts as demonstrated in numerous geotechnical field surveys, samplings, and studies both on land and in the water. This route and related infrastructure upgrades will increase the resilience of Long Island’s transmission infrastructure and inject clean, renewable energy into the grid. This is the clear option to responsibly develop offshore wind energy.
Roger Clayman, Executive Director of the Long Island Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO said, “The resolutions passed today by the Town of East Hampton and Orsted is the result of productive negotiations and relentless engagement by members of the community who support a green energy future for the South Fork. It enables Long Island’s first offshore wind project to move forward along with the many jobs and economic opportunities it creates.”
Matthew Aracich, President of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Nassau and Suffolk Counties stated; “Finding the best route to navigate past obstacles in your way only works when you engage in collaboration and transparency. Supervisor Van Scoyoc and the Town Board members should be commended for taking effective action on addressing climate change. With board approval of the transmission cable route, now secure in East Hampton, offshore wind is poised to fulfill the promise of providing Long Island with a steady supply of reliable, carbon free power. Bold initiatives like these create meaningful jobs, combat low diversity levels and advance the scope of reducing emissions from Manhattan to Montauk.”
Mariah Dignan, Long Island Organizer for Climate Jobs NY, said, “The resolutions passed today are momentum-drivers for responsible offshore wind development. Supervisor Van Scoyoc and the Town Board demonstrated their leadership by taking action on the climate crisis and set the stage for a robust offshore wind industry in New York that will create thousands of good union jobs and invest tens of millions into our community.”
ABOUT CLIMATE JOBS NY
Climate Jobs NY (CJNY) is a growing coalition of labor unions—representing more than 2.6 million working New Yorkers—united to combat climate change and reverse inequality. CJNY’s mission is to advocate for a clean energy economy at the scale climate science demands, create good union jobs, and support more equitable communities and a more resilient New York. CJNY’s members include the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York, the New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO, the New York State AFL-CIO, the Building and Construction Trades Council of Nassau and Suffolk Counties, the Long Island Federation of Labor, Utility Workers Union of America Local 1-2, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 3, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Third District, the United Association Plumbers and Pipefitters in New York State, 32BJ SEIU, the New York State Nurses Association, Laborers International Union Local 79, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 30, AFSCME District Council 37, the Transport Workers Union of America, and Transport Workers Union Local 100.
CLIMATE JOBS NY STATEMENT SUPPORTING GOVERNOR CUOMO’S NATION-LEADING PLAN FOR A CLEAN-ENERGY ECONOMY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 13, 2021
CONTACT: Jeff Vockrodt, Executive Director, jvockrodt@climatejobsny.org, 917-818-3143
CLIMATE JOBS NY STATEMENT SUPPORTING
GOVERNOR CUOMO’S NATION-LEADING PLAN FOR A CLEAN-ENERGY ECONOMY
Climate Jobs NY applauds Governor Cuomo’s nation-leading, $26 billion plan to build the clean- energy economy of tomorrow in New York. The Cuomo administration’s plans for a green economy across the energy, buildings and transportation sectors will create more than 50,000 new jobs. As the governor said in his State of the State remarks today, investing in clean energy “is how we launch ourselves into the new post-Covid economy.”
Crucially, Governor Cuomo is committed to making sure all New Yorkers benefit from the state’s clean-energy plan. He emphasized in his remarks today the importance of making sure the clean-energy plan works for all New Yorkers and ensuring economic opportunity for communities hit hardest by climate change and Covid, and stated that “we will also require prevailing wage and project labor agreements,” calling it “a matter of basic social justice.”
Governor Cuomo’s plan includes strategic investments in a number of areas essential to successfully building New York’s clean-energy future, including offshore wind, large-scale solar, and energy transmission and storage. Among other components of the plan, he stressed the importance of bringing clean-energy manufacturing to New York, instead of relying on other countries’ economies to fuel ours—further ensuring that New York will see the economic as well as environmental benefits of its clean-energy investments.
Offshore wind in particular will play a central role in New York’s clean-energy economy and has been a leading example of effectively incorporating prevailing wage and project labor agreements in large-scale energy projects. We applaud the more than $600 million in public and private investments in port infrastructure announced today—strategic investments that will go a long way toward securing New York’s role in manufacturing, assembly and installation of offshore wind farms. We also celebrate the state’s award of 2500 megawatts more in offshore wind procurement—building two more large-scale wind farms off New York’s coast, creating 5,200 new jobs, and taking another step forward in implementing the state’s nation- leading goal of 9,000 megawatts.
We look forward to working with the administration to ensure the timely, successful completion of these projects, to make sure all the offshore wind jobs driven by state
investment are good family-sustaining, community-supporting union jobs—including permanent manufacturing, operations and maintenance jobs—and to implement the governor’s commitment to using prevailing wage and project labor agreements across the projects announced today.
As Governor Cuomo said today, “Green energy is a prime economic opportunity and a pressing moral imperative.... We just have to do it.”
Gary LaBarbera, President of the New York State Building and Construction Trades Council, President of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York, and Climate Jobs NY Executive Committee member, said, "We support Governor Cuomo’s bold vision for New York’s clean-energy economy and applaud his commitment to concrete projects that will make it happen. We are ready to build the economy of tomorrow in New York with good union jobs and careers.”
Vincent Alvarez, President of the New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO, and Climate Jobs NY Executive Committee member, said, "Governor Cuomo is right when he points to clean energy as central to building a new, post-Covid economy in New York. There is so much opportunity to put New Yorkers to work in new, clean-energy union jobs that will also build what we need to take on climate change. We look forward to continuing to work with the administration to implement our shared vision of a green economy that works for everyone.”
Jeff Vockrodt, Executive Director of Climate Jobs NY, said, "The plan Governor Cuomo announced today is a massive step forward in taking on climate change at the scale science demands, harnessing the economic potential of new clean-energy industries in New York, and taking concrete steps to make sure these are good, family-sustaining, community-supporting jobs and careers accessible to all New Yorkers, prioritizing economic development in disadvantaged communities.”
ABOUT CLIMATE JOBS NY
Climate Jobs NY (CJNY) is a growing coalition of labor unions—representing more than 2.6 million working New Yorkers—united to combat climate change and reverse inequality. CJNY’s mission is to advocate for a clean energy economy at the scale climate science demands, create good union jobs, and support more equitable communities and a more resilient New York. CJNY’s members include the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York, the New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO, the New York State AFL-CIO, the Building and Construction Trades Council of Nassau and Suffolk Counties, the Long Island Federation of Labor, Utility Workers Union of America Local 1-2, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 30, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 3, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Third District, the United Association Plumbers and Pipefitters in New York State, 32BJ SEIU, the New York State Nurses Association, Laborers International Union Local 79, AFSCME District Council 37, the Transport Workers Union of America, Transport Workers Union Local 100, and Communications Workers of America District 1.
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Sen. Schumer Calls for Offshore Wind Turbine Assembly Site to be Built in Brooklyn
From OEdigital.com: U.S. Senator Charles Schumer on Monday joined Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, calling for a creation of a local offshore wind turbine assembly center at Sunset Park, Brooklyn, New York, and calling for the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) funding.
According to a statement released by the Senator's office, the assembly site would position New York to play a significant role in the offshore wind supply chain, "which could create thousands of jobs across the state."
How Biden Can Ensure Every Federal Agency Is Fighting Climate Change
President-elect Joe Biden has an unprecedented opportunity to walk the U.S.—and perhaps the world—back from the brink on climate change. After four years of harmful deregulation, his work is cut out for him. But to truly address climate change will require more than simply repealing President Donald Trump’s rollbacks and maybe strengthening a few rules on power plant emissions before calling it a day.
New York’s Building Trades Unions Are Showing the Way Forward on Green Jobs
“We can’t win and carry out a Green New Deal without winning building trades workers and unions to an environmentalist agenda that also benefits them. New York’s recently announced massive investment in offshore wind, high-speed rail, and more, backed by both labor and environmental groups, shows how it can be done.
The “jobs vs. environment” debate has raged on since the idea of a Green New Deal rose to national prominence in recent years. Despite being explicitly framed as a jobs program, the right wing continues to (sometimes successfully) wield the program as a weapon in the culture war, portraying it as kooky at best and anti-worker at worst.”
Novel battery project at New York Power Authority demonstrates energy storage’s role in advancing state’s clean energy goals
“Safe battery storage paired with renewable energy sources will be necessary for New York to meet its nation-leading clean energy targets,” said NYPA president and CEO Gil C. Quiniones. “NYPA is pleased to collaborate with Cadenza Innovation and NYSERDA in investigating this unique proof-of-concept storage project, which could be a real game-changer in the promotion of safety and cost savings as we develop new, cleaner technologies to fight climate change and advance a safe, sustainable grid of the future.”
Lara Skinner Named to Just Transition Working Group
Lara Skinner is Executive Director of The Worker Institute at Cornell and leads the institute’s Labor Leading on Climate Initiative. Lara is also on the Board of Directors of Climate Jobs National Resource Center. Her research, writing, and labor education work focuses on the intersection of job creation, economic development, and climate protection. Read more
CJNY's letter to the NY Independent System Operator (NYISO): Hybrid Storage Model – Collocation of Energy Sources in NYS
November 19, 2020
Mr. Richard Dewey President and CEO, NYISO 10 Krey Boulevard Rensselaer, NY 12144
Re: Hybrid Storage Model – Collocation of Energy Sources in New York State
Dear Mr. Dewey:
Climate Jobs NY (CJNY) is a broad and growing statewide coalition of labor unions representing more than 2.6 million working New Yorkers. Our mission is to advocate for a clean energy economy at the scale climate science demands, create good union jobs, and support more equitable communities and a more resilient New York.
I am writing regarding future transmission interconnection regulations and colocation of energy sources and storage resources in New York State. In order to efficiently realize New York’s nation- leading clean energy standards, the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) should consider allowing energy storage to pair behind the same interconnection point with any other resource types, especially renewable energy sources like solar and offshore wind. According to the American Wind Energy Association, ten percent of the resources seeking to interconnect to ISOs are these hybrid colocation projects. A hybrid storage model would enhance the job creation, resiliency, and economic stability that renewable energy projects can provide to New Yorkers.