NY has all-of-the-above energy plan; critics play politics
An illustration of the vessel that would have installed turbines off Long Beach for the Empire Wind project. Credit: Maersk Supply Service
This guest essay reflects the views of Doreen M. Harris, president and chief executive of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.
The federal government’s stop-work order for Empire Wind 1, New York’s largest energy infrastructure project in 50 years, goes against the Trump administration’s own prioritization of independent and locally produced energy. The project underwent an extensive federal review process and received all federal and state permits, including securing the lease for the project site from the former Trump administration. It’s also scheduled to be online in 2027 — the fastest way to bring on new utility-scale generation for the state by far — and once completed, it will deliver power to more than 500,000 homes.
Halting the project jeopardizes real economic progress. Empire Wind 1 was responsible for employing more than 1,500 people and channeling millions of dollars into community-driven training programs and entrepreneurship support. These gains weren’t hypothetical — they were happening here in New York.
Undermining this progress sends a chilling signal to companies looking to invest in the U.S. clean energy economy — all of whom count on regulatory certainty to proceed. And it does a disservice to the communities that have the most to gain from a cleaner, more equitable energy future.
The administration’s shortsighted interference is the latest in a wave of politically motivated attacks that neglect the reality surrounding the future energy security of our state and country. This includes Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s willfully inaccurate claims.
The fact is that between rising manufacturing, advances in AI and cloud computing, and the explosive growth of data centers, energy needs are growing rapidly. Last year, the national five-year forecast for electricity load was five times higher than 2022 predictions. This is expected to continue growing exponentially in coming years, requiring a comprehensive and predictable suite of policies and programs to ensure the grid can meet increased demand and avoid potential reliability issues
Critics may seize on individual technologies or projects for political gain, but New York doesn’t have the luxury of handpicking only the ideas that are convenient to support. The state is focused on an all-of-the-above approach, investing in a diverse, resilient energy portfolio that reflects the complexity of the challenge while ensuring an affordable, reliable, and abundant energy supply for future generations. That means leaving no option off the table, whether it’s offshore or land-based wind, solar, advanced nuclear, or other zero-emission technologies.
Investments by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority have helped bring more than 300 clean energy products to market, spanning energy efficiency and grid modernization, advanced fuels and thermal energy systems, and clean power generation and storage. These public investments also attract private capital. For every dollar NYSERDA has contributed to energy innovation, $10 more in private and public funds is unlocked. The link between energy innovation and economic development is undeniable, and the state’s policies and programs are giving the market the confidence needed to do business here.
That’s what makes the stop-work order on Empire Wind 1 so damaging: It threatens the very people and places that were already seeing the upside of smart, forward-looking energy investments. New York’s clean energy sector already employs more than 178,000 people, the third most in the country, and has generated more than 13,000 direct and indirect jobs. The state’s investments have also added $2.3 billion to gross state product, contributing to a stronger economy and quality of life for all New Yorkers, while laying the foundation for domestic manufacturing growth.
This is a moment to stay focused on the big picture and not lose ground.
In the 50 years since NYSERDA was established, we’ve seen that real progress comes from staying the course.
Our mission to deliver a cleaner, healthier energy future for New York is as clear as ever. That future is still within reach. And we’re not losing sight of it.
This guest essay reflects the views of Doreen M. Harris, president and chief executive of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.
