ALBANY — The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today took another step toward meeting Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s goal of procuring at least 2.4 gigawatts of offshore wind energy by 2030 by accepting the environmental review of policy options to implement a New York State offshore wind program.

 

In his 2018 State of the State address, the Governor announced plans to solicit at least 800 megawatts of offshore wind power in 2018 and 2019. In January, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) released the comprehensive Offshore Wind Master Plan, which will guide the responsible and cost-effective development of 2.4 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2030.

 

“The development of offshore wind energy is a vital component to achieving Governor Cuomo’s goal of 50 percent renewable energy by 2030,” said Commission Chair John B. Rhodes. “New York is poised to be a national leader in this burgeoning industry, reaping environmental benefit as well as creating thousands of good-paying jobs and millions of dollars of investment in our coastal communities and in New York.”

 

Concurrent with the issuance of the Offshore Wind Master Plan, NYSERDA finalized an offshore wind policy options paper, which provided an assessment of alternatives for addressing a wide range of policy issues pertinent to the successful deployment of offshore wind energy. These options were provided to ensure that the State continues its progress to meet Governor Cuomo’s goal of procuring at least 800 megawatts of offshore wind power through competitive solicitations in 2018 and 2019, and 2.4 gigawatts by 2030.

 

In a decision today, the Commission, as part of a mandatory environmental review developed under the State Environmental Quality Review Act, found a number of positive outcomes associated with the development of offshore wind, including: public health benefits, climate change benefits; and economic development benefits. The environmental review also raised potential impacts, such as the need to consider sensitive biological resources, and mitigation measures to lessen these impacts. Those impacts will be taken into consideration by the Commission and can be addressed in site-specific environmental impact statements as project development proceeds.

 

 

Reforming the Energy Vision is Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's strategy to lead on climate change and grow New York's economy. REV is building a cleaner, more resilient and affordable energy system for all New Yorkers by stimulating investment in clean technologies like solar, wind, and energy efficiency and requiring 50 percent of the state's electricity needs from renewable energy by 2030. Already, REV has driven growth of more than 1,000 percent in the statewide solar market, improved energy affordability for 1.65 million low-income customers, and created thousands of jobs in manufacturing, engineering, and other clean tech sectors. REV is ensuring New York reduces statewide greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030 and achieves the internationally recognized target of reducing emissions 80 percent by 2050. To learn more about REV, including the Governor's $5 billion investment in clean energy technology and innovation, visit rev.ny.gov, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Today’s decisions may be obtained by going to the Commission Documents section of the Commission’s Web site at www.dps.ny.gov and entering Case Numbers 18-E-0071 in the input box labeled "Search for Case/Matter Number". Many libraries offer free Internet access.

Commission documents may also be obtained from the Commission’s Files Office, 14th floor, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223 (518-474-2500). If you have difficulty understanding English, please call us at 1-800-342-3377 for free language assistance services regarding this press release.