It's time for New York to get offshore wind back on track

It is no secret that New York’s offshore wind program has experienced some turbulence in recent months. The hurdles have resulted from supply chain constraints, high interest rates, and material changes in available components in the market. Despite these setbacks and some large project cancellations, Gov. Kathy Hochul and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) have done well to steer the state around these obstacles and keep us in the position we find ourselves today — with an opportunity to get back on track to meet our offshore wind goals.

Even with these challenges, New York’s fifth offshore solicitation, which allows for up to 2.8 gigawatts of offshore wind into New York City and an unlimited capacity onto Long Island, received 25 proposals, proving there is an appetite from clean energy developers for producing offshore wind infrastructure and slashing carbon emissions in New York.

This most recent solicitation is set to be awarded in early November, offering an opportunity for Hochul and NYSERDA to "go big" and reinforce their commitment to offshore wind. Awarding multiple contracts would reestablish New York as a national leader in renewable infrastructure, generating thousands of good paying union careers, reinvigorating local economies, and setting standards for achieving clean energy goals.

A selection of numerous projects across New York City and Long Island would demonstrate how New York can lead in the just transition to clean energy for our workforce and communities. With their nation-leading labor standards, including project labor agreements, labor peace agreements and Buy American provisions for certain steel components, these projects have the potential to uplift hardworking New Yorkers and their neighborhoods. Family-sustaining union job creation and economic stimulus from these projects will provide opportunities to many who are in need of pathways to ascend into the middle class.

Not to mention, the reduction of carbon emissions will not only contribute to improving our climate and ensuring future generations a healthier and more sustainable environment, it also will bolster the middle class while uplifting our economy and allowing our communities to grow and thrive.

To achieve these climate goals and see such benefits come to fruition, we need to secure thousands of megawatts of offshore wind capacity as soon as possible. This will entice manufacturers and suppliers of offshore wind component parts to set up shop permanently in New York and along the East Coast, creating a domestic supply chain that benefits union workers throughout the construction, manufacturing, and service industries. We look forward to a future NYSERDA supply chain solicitation that includes the high-road labor standards we successfully advocated for as part of the most recent state budget.

Even considering some of the complications our offshore wind rollout has faced, New York still has a unique opportunity to emerge as the prime example for contracting and executing offshore wind projects in the United States. By exceeding previous clean energy generation expectations and mobilizing a full-scale clean energy program, we can finally unlock all of the benefits we’ve been talking about: middle class growth, countless union careers, and relief for our environment that will improve the livelihoods of all New Yorkers.

This guest essay reflects the views of Gary LaBarbera, president of the New York City and New York State Building Trades, and Mario Cilento, president of the New York State AFL-CIO.