SOURCE:
https://libn.com/2021/09/20/leaders-look-to-foster-li-as-wind-supply-chain-powerhouse/
By Adina Genn - September 20, 2021
Leaders on Long Island continue to advocate fostering the region into a “wind supply chain powerhouse.”
At an industry conference on Friday at LIU Tilles Center, leaders assembled from government, wind energy companies, labor and environmental groups, and local manufacturers. The aim of the conference was to see to it that the region “emerges as the premier source of wind energy” across the nation, according to a press release about the conference.
“Long Island’s offshore wind resources are abundant and must be harnessed so that clean, affordable, and renewable power can be delivered to fight climate change, provide high-paying, high-skilled union jobs and make money for New York businesses,” Rep. Tom Suozzi, who organized the conference, said in a statement.
New York has already selected five offshore wind projects to power over two million Long Island and New York City homes. Projects slated include Empire Wind, via Equinor, which is 14 miles from Jone Beach, as well as Empire Wind 2, and Beacon Wind nearly 60 miles from Montauk.
And while some in the commercial fishing industry and environmentalists have questioned the impact turbines would have on the region, others say the technology would benefit the climate.
“Communities across Long Island are recovering from mudslides, record rainfall, and flash
flooding from the remnants of Ida,” said Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director, Citizens Campaign for the Environment.
“The time to act to fight against climate change is now. Offshore wind is a keystone tool needed to fight climate change and battle these devastating impacts,” she said. “Successfully transitioning to renewable energy will take meaningful collaboration which means bringing together environmentalists, labor leaders, and industry to plan for a new green economy based on clean, renewable offshore wind.”
The effort is expected to help power the region’s economy, bringing jobs.
“The labor movement, government, industry leaders, and environmental groups have worked together to bring offshore wind to the Atlantic Coast,” Liz Shuler, president, AFL-CIO, said in a statement. “Our progress shows that the way to respond and adapt to the climate crisis is through a high-road strategy with good, union jobs. From raw materials to offshore wind turbines and their key components, as we continue to scale up offshore wind, we must ensure that we are creating union jobs in the United States.”
“We are prioritizing a local supply chain for offshore wind and believe it is one of the most critical aspects to development of not only our projects, but the industry as a whole,” Siri Espedal Kindem, president, Equinor Wind – US, said in a statement. “Of course, a big component of this is working in partnership with local communities, suppliers, and labor unions and engaging them in future opportunities as we build and harness this supply chain, and forums like this one help everyone connect and work together toward shared renewable energy goals.”
“New York’s offshore wind program is helping to trailblaze the offshore wind industry in the United States,” said Peter Lion, senior advisor, Offshore Wind, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, said.
“Not only is New York setting an example for other states to follow, but we are sending clear messages to businesses, manufacturers and suppliers that New York State is open for business and with that comes a tremendous opportunity for partnership and collaboration to stimulate the economy and create high-quality jobs for New Yorkers,” he added.