Emma Searson
Environment America Research & Policy Center
WASHINGTON — The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) completed its environmental review on Monday of the South Fork Wind project, which will deliver clean power to New York’s mainland. It is being developed off the coasts of Long Island, New York, and Block Island, Rhode Island. The final environmental impact statement determined that the project’s turbines and corresponding transmission line will have a “negligible” impact on nearby marine life and habitats. The proposed wind farm now advances toward final approval, which BOEM plans to issue in October.
Once in operation, South Fork Wind will produce up to 132 megawatts of renewable electricity, which is sufficient power for around 70,000 homes and businesses. The project will enable both the Biden administration and the state of New York to progress toward offshore wind targets of 30 gigawatts (30,000 megawatts) by 2030 and 9 gigawatts (9,000 megawatts) by 2035, respectively.
In response, Environment America’s 100% Renewable Campaign Director Emma Searson released the following statement:
“Thanks to the Biden administration’s continued commitment, the U.S. is finally tapping into the vast renewable energy goldmine of our offshore wind resources. South Fork Wind is the latest of several projects to move through the steps of federal review, joining CVOW-C off the coast of Virginia Beach and Vineyard Wind South off of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. And, the gold rush is just beginning.
“It’s inspiring to see so much progress toward a cleaner, healthier future powered by renewable resources, including offshore wind, over the last few months. We look forward to cheering on these beneficial projects as they move toward the finish line in the months to come and to seeing others begin the process as well.”