NYS Public Service Commission Halts Approval of Offshore Wind Power Transmission Lines
The New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) has decided to suspend the approval process for new transmission lines intended to facilitate the delivery of offshore wind energy to New York City. This move is attributed to opposition from former President Trump regarding such initiatives.
This halt significantly undermines New York’s green energy legislation and poses a setback for the offshore wind sector aiming to establish a more substantial role in the energy landscape, according to industry analysts.
Consumers of gas and electricity may face increased costs to develop the transmission lines meant for wind energy that is not currently available, largely due to the Trump administration’s restrictions on new permits and leases for offshore wind projects.
In an official statement, the PSC explained that they are "strategically terminating" the approval process for designing and constructing these lines to protect New Yorkers from incurring premature infrastructure expenses.
Rory Christian, Chair of the Commission, emphasized the importance of safeguarding consumers, stating, "In light of the uncertainties emanating from Washington regarding offshore wind, we must prioritize consumer protection by halting our approval process. However, this does not signify the end. We plan to pursue infrastructure needs for offshore wind once federal leasing and permitting resumes."
The PSC’s decision delays New York’s progress toward meeting the clean energy targets outlined in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, enacted six years ago. The law mandates that renewable energy sources should account for 70% of the state’s energy production by 2030 and aims for net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.
John Howard, a former PSC chair, noted that the state regulators have had to adapt to reality. "This situation is significant. The Climate Act is falling short of its goals, and we are likely to miss emission targets by a considerable margin," Howard remarked.
However, the green energy community has expressed dissatisfaction with the PSC’s postponement of offshore wind transmission lines. Organizations such as The Alliance for Clean Energy New York and the New York Offshore Wind Alliance (NYOWA) stated, "New York must invest in transmission infrastructure to meet increasing energy demands and achieve long-term savings for ratepayers. The future energy landscape of our state should prominently feature offshore wind."
These organizations highlighted that the development of offshore wind projects can exceed ten years, navigating through electoral cycles that may include opponents to wind energy.
Governor Kathy Hochul has supported the PSC’s decision. Her senior communications advisor on energy, Ken Lovett, said, "Governor Hochul is a strong advocate for renewable projects, including offshore wind, but acknowledges the need to protect New Yorkers amidst federal uncertainties. It would be inequitable to burden ratepayers with costs for a project that may not come to fruition."
The recent decision does not affect the Empire Wind project, which is currently underway off the coast of Long Island by Norwegian firm Equinor. In a related development, the governor recently revealed plans to construct the first major nuclear power plant in over 15 years upstate, aiming to help New York achieve its carbon-emission-free objectives.
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