Environmentalists, union leaders push for offshore wind power – Long Island Business News (subscription)

A wide range of environmental, labor and community leaders yesterday joined in a chorus of support for Gov. Andrew Cuomos plan to encourage offshore wind projects in the waters surrounding New York State.

They spokeon August 14at the Queens Public Library in Rockaway Beach as the New York State Energy Research and Development Authoritygeared up forhearings regarding wind power.

NYSERDAs public meetings are part of a process through which the state is seeking to create an Offshore Wind Master Plan.

Gov. Cuomo is seeking for offshore wind power to help reach a target ofhalf of New Yorks power generated by renewable energy sources by 2030.

We have a deep, inherent responsibility to promote initiatives and technology that transition us away from fossil fuels, Citizens Campaign for the Environment Executive Director Adrienne Esposito said. A critical part of that transition is to harness the power of offshore wind.

She said that NYSERDAs Offshore Wind Master Plan will assist New York in changing our energy infrastructure and encourage well-sited offshore wind projects that benefit our environment, economy and public health.

Renewable Energy Long Island Executive Director Gordian Raacke called the upcoming public information meetings a great way to learn about the exciting opportunity we now have to meet New Yorks energy needs with offshore wind power.

Unions also supported the project, which would involve the construction of wind turbines in the water along with cables carrying power.

Offshore wind development will bring numerous benefits to Long Island and the rest of the state, said New York State Buildingand Construction Trades Council President Jim Cahill. It will create good jobs and create a new renewable energy economy that will benefit everyone.

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Environmentalists, union leaders push for offshore wind power - Long Island Business News (subscription)