By Jason Dragseth, Chair, Political Committee
New York has one of the nation’s leading climate laws. Among other things, our climate law mandates a transition to zero-emissions energy statewide by 2040. New York City accounts for approximately 33% of the state’s energy usage, and virtually 100% of our power is generated by burning fossil fuels, primarily fracked natural gas imported from other states such as Pennsylvania. The plan laid out in the climate law identifies offshore wind as the primary clean energy alternative for New York City, and this makes sense: the city is adjacent to the ocean; the ocean offers ample territory in which to build sizable wind farms; consistent and strong ocean winds can spin large turbines to generate significant amounts of energy; and energy generated by the turbines can be efficiently transmitted to the city.
While we have a state law mandating the transition to clean energy, policymaking is complex and involves aligning the interests of numerous stakeholders, including local, state and federal elected officials and agencies, private developers, and consumers. The inherently complex energy policymaking process has been made more complex by the results of the 2024 election. The new administration is actively seeking to impede the development of all clean energy, including offshore wind. Effective January 21, 2025, the administration ordered federal agencies to withdraw from disposition wind energy leasing areas within the offshore continental shelf and directed federal agencies to review the legal basis of existing wind energy leases. The actual effects of the order will be borne out over time, but the administration’s opposition to offshore wind is strong.
While the federal government plays a significant role in leasing and permitting offshore wind projects, there are numerous aspects of the projects that don’t involve the federal government. The Sierra Club is working with stakeholders to advance offshore wind projects where possible, even while the aforementioned executive order is in effect. It’s not a matter of if but when for offshore wind in New York. The more progress we can make on projects over the next four years, the better position we will be in to complete them under future administrations and reap the benefits of clean, renewable wind energy.
