(NEW YORK CITY) - Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the largest State investment in renewable energy in United States history, demonstrating New York’s leadership in advancing the clean energy transition.

The conditional awards include three offshore wind and 22 land-based renewable energy projects totaling 6.4 gigawatts of clean energy, enough to power 2.6 million New York homes and deliver approximately 12% of New York’s electricity needs once completed.

When coupled with two marquee offshore wind blade and nacelle manufacturing facilities, this portfolio of newly announced projects is expected to create approximately 8,300 family-sustaining jobs and spur $20 billion in economic development investments statewide, including developer-committed investments to support disadvantaged communities.

The announcement supports progress toward New York's goal for 70% of the State's electricity to come from renewable sources by 2030 - and nine gigawatts of offshore wind by 2035 - on the path to a zero-emission grid as required by the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.

Following these awards, New York will now have enough operating, contracted and under development renewable energy projects to supply 79% of the State’s 2030 electricity needs with renewable energy.

“New York continues to set the pace for our Nation’s transition to clean energy,” Governor Hochul said. “An investment of this magnitude is about more than just fighting climate change - we’re creating good-paying Union jobs, improving the reliability of our electric grid, and generating significant benefits in disadvantaged communities.  We are taking action to keep New York’s climate goals within reach, demonstrating to the Nation how to recalibrate in the wake of global economic challenges while driving us toward a greener and more prosperous future for generations to come.”

Several Labor Leaders also released statements:

New York State Building Trades President Gary LaBarbera: “Today marks a key milestone for solar, wind and renewable energy projects that will not only help New York reach its sustainability goals, but also create thousands of good paying, Union careers for our hard-working Tradesmen and Tradeswomen.  This historic investment will brighten our clean energy future and the improve the lives of all New Yorkers, including those who will now have the opportunity to work on these projects, support their families and pursue a more accessible path to the Middle Class.  We applaud Governor Hochul for her continued commitment to streamlining clean energy initiatives, all while uplifting Working Class New Yorkers.”

New York City AFL-CIO Central Labor Council President Vincent Alvarez: “We applaud Governor Hochul and New York State for the historic investments in the Renewable Energy Sector.  The commitments the State has already made regarding Labor Standards, combined with these new investments, will help accelerate New York’s successful and just transition to a Clean Energy Economy while encouraging the development of good, family-sustaining Union jobs.  We look forward to working with the state and NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority) in ensuring that Workers’ voices continue to be heard as we develop the entire Renewable Energy Sector.”

Long Island AFL-CIO Area Labor Federation President John Durso: “We look forward to working with the Governor and her team as we move the Offshore Wind Industry forward, creating good Union jobs that will not only power Long Island’s economy, but also make an historic commitment to our environment.  The Long Island Federation of Labor, as a crucial partner, plays a pivotal role in ensuring the success of offshore wind development, with our expertise and dedication, in bolstering the growth of the industry while safeguarding the interests of our workforce.”

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 3 Business Manager Christopher Erikson: “Today’s announcement is clearly indicative of Governor Hochul’s intent to move forward with a thriving Offshore Wind Industry.  This commitment includes Labor Protections for Working Men and Women, the guaranteeing of good wages, the inclusion of PLA’s (Project Labor Agreements) and workforce development for both the Construction Trades and supply chain employers.  This is good for New Yorkers, our employers, our environment and the health of generations to come.”

To Directly Access This Labor News Report In Its Entirety, Go To: Governor Hochul Announces Nation’s Largest-Ever State Investment in Renewable Energy is Moving Forward in New York | Governor Kathy Hochul (ny.gov)

Photo Courtesy Of IBEW Local 3's Facebook Page.