Exploring the Potential for Offshore Wind in the Great Lakes
Photo by Magda Ehlers from Pexels
Background: Why is New York State Considering Great Lakes Offshore Wind?
New York State has proposed a plan to implement its nation-leading climate law
In 2019, New York State passed historic legislation to fight climate change—the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) requires NYS to achieve 70% renewable energy by 2030, 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind by 2035, and 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040. The goals set forth in the CLCPA are ambitious and necessary if we are going to step up our fight against climate change. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) released a White Paper that provides a roadmap for the state to implement and achieve the goals set forth in the CLCPA.
Exploring the potential for Great Lakes offshore wind power
The strong winds on the Great Lakes contain over 20% of the nation’s offshore wind potential, yet they are completely untapped. While multiple offshore wind projects are under development off New York’s Atlantic coast, there are currently no projects being considered in New York’s Great Lakes waters. As part of the White Paper to implement the CLCPA, NYSERDA proposes to conduct a feasibility study to explore the potential for offshore wind in the Great Lakes. If the state study determines it is feasible, specific projects proposed in the future would need to undergo site-specific environmental review to determine if they are able move forward. Offshore wind in the Great Lakes, which is responsibly-sited and respects the Great Lakes ecosystem, should be considered in order to fight climate change and meet state renewable energy mandates.
Get the Facts: As New York State considers the potential for offshore wind in the Great Lakes, it is important to know the facts about offshore wind
Offshore Wind and the Health of the Great Lakes
It is critical that any future offshore wind project is responsibly-sited and is evaluated to protect the Great Lakes ecosystem and the lakes’ many uses. Rigorous, site-specific environmental review, with meaningful public participation opportunities, will need to take place before a project is built, to ensure that potential impacts to the Great Lakes are avoided, minimized, or mitigated.
As we consider the potential impacts of offshore wind, it is important to note that all large-scale energy sources have an environmental impact. Therefore, it is important to evaluate offshore winds’ environmental impact within the context of all large-scale energy production.
Check out CCE’s 8-page fact sheet: The Great Lakes, Climate Change, and the Potential for Offshore Wind
Great Lakes Offshore Wind and New York’s Clean Energy Economy
New York is actively developing offshore wind downstate; however, the Great Lakes remain an untapped wind resource that has the potential to be a substantial economic driver for Western New York, the Great Lakes region, and the State.
Check out CCE’s 4-page fact sheet: Great Lakes Offshore Wind and New York’s Clean Energy Economy
Great Lakes Offshore Wind: Frequently Asked Questions
As we consider the potential for offshore wind in the Great Lakes, it is essential that we look to fact-based information about offshore wind and its potential benefits and impacts on the lakes.
Check out CCE’s 8-page fact sheet: Great Lakes Offshore Wind: Frequently Asked Questions