$191 Million Offshore Wind Plan Puts New York City On Path to Leading Role

Government officials in New York have announced a 15-year, $191 million “vision” to make New York City a leading destination for the offshore wind industry.

The plan was announced last week by Mayor de Blasio and New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC).

The $191 million investment will put New York City on path to create over 13,000 jobs and generate $1.3 billion in average annual investment, according to numbers released by the state.

“The Climate Crisis is real. New York City will serve as the model for taking climate action and growing the Offshore Wind Industry with a real long-term vision plan focused on equity,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “We have the opportunity now to deliver on promises and set the City on a path towards a sustainable future.”

Under the Offshore Wind Vision (OSW), New York City is expected to make commitments focused on three core areas: sites and infrastructure, business and workforce, and research and innovation. This includes working to develop best-in-class infrastructure that will support the construction and operation of offshore wind farms. The plan also outlines how the city will expand its manufacturing sector to build, stage, and install wind turbines, and ensure they can be serviced and powered locally.

“When we talk about a green economy we are really talking about reliance on renewable energy and the jobs of the future coming together. We are proud to bring this vision to New York – to help meet our long-term sustainability goals and grow a new industry, centering equity as no other global destination has done before,” said New York City Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Rachel Loeb.

The plan also seeks ensure 40% of job and investment benefits are directed toward women, minorities, and environmental justice communities. The plan commits New York City to developing public-private partnerships with communities to create good-paying, green jobs in disadvantaged neighborhoods historically impacted by climate injustice.

“This forward-looking plan to grow the Offshore Wind Industry sets New York City up to reduce emissions while creating good green jobs,” said United States Senate Majority Leader, Charles E. Schumer.

The OSW Vision Plan looks to attract additional federal, state, and private investments to drive industry growth. To help ensure progress is made, NYCEDC will establish an Offshore Wind Industry Advisory Council led by co-chairs Elizabeth Yeampierre, Executive Director of UPROSE, and KC Sahl, Northeast Energy Market Leader at VHB, a civil engineering firm active in the offshore wind industry. The council will be made up of additional community, business and nonprofit leaders with relevant expertise and experience.

“The commitment to new Offshore wind development in NYC is the result of frontline, community-led planning and leadership for environmental justice and the ‘green reindustrialization’ of our waterfront over the past decades. The struggle now is for a just transition, ensuring from day 1 our people are both at the table and working in this industry” said NYC OSW Industry Advisory Council Co-Chair, Elizabeth Yeampierre.

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