Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLCScarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLC

Firm Insights

New York Enacts Ambitious Clean Energy Plan With Focus on Offshore Wind

Author: Daniel T. McKillop

Date: January 13, 2020

Key Contacts

Back

As states along the east coast continue to compete for offshore wind supply-chain investment and jobs, New York and New Jersey are taking steps to come out on top…

States along the East Coast are competing for offshore wind supply-chain investment and jobs, with New York and New Jersey both taking steps to come out on top.

New York Enacts Ambitious Clean Energy Plan With Focus on Offshore Wind

In October, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) finalized contracts for its first two offshore wind projects, which are part of the ambitious clean energy plan the state adopted this summer. The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) requires that 70 percent of the state’s electricity come from renewables by 2030, and requires 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2040.

Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act

With the enactment of the CLPA, New York is again a leader in green energy policy. Below are several key aspects of the law:

  • The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) must adopt regulations to achieve an 85 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with an interim mandate of 40% reduction in emissions by 2030 (both relative to 1990 levels). 
  • The law mandates that at least 70 percent of New York’s electricity come from renewable energy sources such as wind and solar by 2030, and that the state’s power system is 100% carbon neutral by 2040. 
  • The law also codifies the state’s commitment to install 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind by 2035; 6,000 megawatts of distributed solar by 2025; and 3,000 megawatts of energy storage by 2030.
  • The newly-created Climate Action Council, co-chaired by the New York State Energy Research and Development Agency (NYSERDA) and DEC, will establish sector-specific working groups to make sure experts and stakeholders inform all policies developed under the CLCPA. Planned working groups include a just transition working group, as well as working groups on transportation, agriculture, energy-intensive and trade-exposed industries, land use and energy efficiency.
  • Relevant state agencies will invest 35 percent of clean energy program resources to benefit disadvantaged communities and will aim to invest 40 percent. The just transition working group will work to ensure that individuals working in conventional energy industries are provided with training and opportunities in the growing clean energy economy.

New York’s Offshore Wind Projects

In connection with signing the CLCPA, New York has entered into agreements to build two offshore wind farms for a combined total of 1700 megawatts of clean energy. The Sunrise Wind project will be located in an offshore area 30 miles East of Long Island. It will be developed by Orsted and Eversource, providing 880 megawatts feeding Long Island. The Empire Wind project will be located 14 miles Southeast of Manhattan and will be developed by Equinor, a Norwegian company. It will develop 816 megawatts and feed New York City.

New York also plans to invest $287 million to construct manufacturing, service and port facilities in several areas of New York, including in Port Jefferson, Brooklyn, Staten Island and the Capital region. The port upgrades will begin in 2020. Construction of the onshore facilities will begin in 2022. Offshore construction will begin in late 2022 and the projects will be completed by 2024.

Going forward, the green economies of both New York and New Jersey are poised for growth. Scarinci Hollenbeck’s Renewable Energy and Green Initiatives Practice Group can provide businesses with the broad range of legal services needed to succeed in this ever-evolving industry.

If you have questions, please contact us

If you have any questions or if you would like to discuss the matter further, please contact me, Dan McKillop, or the Scarinci Hollenbeck attorney with whom you work, at 201-806-3364.

No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLC

Related Posts

See all
How Understanding Bankruptcy Trends Can Benefit Your Business post image

How Understanding Bankruptcy Trends Can Benefit Your Business

The bankruptcy legal landscape presents both challenges and opportunities for businesses navigating financial distress. Understanding current bankruptcy trends can help businesses make more informed and strategic decisions. Corporate Bankruptcy Filings Trending Upwards Bankruptcy filings continued to trend upwards in 2024. According to statistics released by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, personal and business […]

Author: Brian D. Spector

Link to post with title - "How Understanding Bankruptcy Trends Can Benefit Your Business"
SEC Takes Actions Against Issuers for Failure to File Form D post image

SEC Takes Actions Against Issuers for Failure to File Form D

In December, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced charges against two privately held companies for failing to file a Form D notice, which is generally utilized for exempt securities offerings. Here, the SEC’s enforcement sends a strong message: compliance with regulatory requirements is not optional and failure to comply can have significant consequences. […]

Author: Kenneth C. Oh

Link to post with title - "SEC Takes Actions Against Issuers for Failure to File Form D"
Redefining Labor Relations: NLRB's Pivot from Abruzzo’s Memoranda post image

Redefining Labor Relations: NLRB's Pivot from Abruzzo’s Memoranda

On February 14, 2025, the Office of General Counsel (OGC) of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) under Acting General Counsel William B. Cowen issued Memorandum 25-05, “New Process for More Efficient, Effective, Accessible and Transparent Case handling.” The Memorandum rescinds nearly all of the Memoranda issued by his direct predecessor, Jennifer Abruzzo, setting the […]

Author: Matthew F. Mimnaugh

Link to post with title - "Redefining Labor Relations: NLRB's Pivot from Abruzzo’s Memoranda"
What Are FIRPTA Withholding Requirements? post image

What Are FIRPTA Withholding Requirements?

If you purchase real property from a foreign person or entity, you may be required to withhold taxes from your payment to the seller under the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act (FIRPTA). The federal tax law is designed to ensure that foreign sellers pay any applicable capital gains tax on profits realized from […]

Author: Jesse M. Dimitro

Link to post with title - "What Are FIRPTA Withholding Requirements?"
Does Your Homeowners Insurance Provide Adequate Coverage? post image

Does Your Homeowners Insurance Provide Adequate Coverage?

Your home is likely your greatest asset, which is why it is so important to adequately protect it. Homeowners insurance protects you from the financial costs of unforeseen losses, such as theft, fire, and natural disasters, by helping you rebuild and replace possessions that were lost While the definition of “adequate” coverage depends upon a […]

Author: Jesse M. Dimitro

Link to post with title - "Does Your Homeowners Insurance Provide Adequate Coverage?"
Understanding the Importance of a Non-Contingent Offer post image

Understanding the Importance of a Non-Contingent Offer

Making a non-contingent offer can dramatically increase your chances of securing a real estate transaction, particularly in competitive markets like New York City. However, buyers should understand that waiving contingencies, including those related to financing, or appraisals, also comes with significant risks. Determining your best strategy requires careful analysis of the property, the market, and […]

Author: Jesse M. Dimitro

Link to post with title - "Understanding the Importance of a Non-Contingent Offer"

No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!

Explore What Matters Most to You.

Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.

Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.

Let`s get in touch!

* The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form.

Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!

Please select a category(s) below: