Burke-Gonzalez: First New York Company to Harness Offshore Wind Power

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It takes courage to be the first community in New York to bring offshore wind power ashore. It also takes vision to be the first. Vision driven by an understanding of what is at stake for our fragile coastal community. A community that is already experiencing the brunt of climate change—rising sea levels, rising water temperatures, and unnamed storms that are eroding shorelines, eroding our dunes and cliffs, and causing devastating flooding in our neighborhoods.

The science couldn’t be clearer. We have until 2030 to cut our fossil fuel emissions in half — or risk a future of uncontrolled climate change. But with our population swings soaring, tripling in the summer months, we’re putting a huge strain on the electricity grid powered by dirty fossil fuels. With higher temperatures due to climate change, heat waves will hit more often, last longer, and become more intense, creating even greater demand for electricity not just in East Hampton but across Long Island.

When PSEG Long Island chose offshore wind as a renewable energy solution to meet growing electricity demand on Long Island’s South Fork, the decision sparked rigorous community engagement by Ørsted, the project’s developer. Ørsted used every means available—newspapers, direct mail, webinars, open houses, community forums, and town meetings—to educate residents and the fishing industry, all to ensure that those with concerns could get answers.

As misinformation and well-funded opposition continued to flood our community, the question remained: How do we flip the script and educate residents about the benefits of this incredible opportunity? The answer for us was Win with Wind, a group of local citizen offshore wind advocates who provided fact-based information about the benefits of renewable offshore wind energy. Win with Wind joined forces with regional environmental organizations and Long Island labor unions to build a powerful movement.

Now that the South Fork Wind Farm is fully online, we have begun the transition to a clean energy economy while creating good-paying jobs. The South Fork Wind Farm powers 70,000 homes, providing a renewable and stable source of energy across Long Island. The City of East Hampton is set to receive a $28 million community benefits package to fund projects that will enhance the sustainability of the City and the well-being of our residents. Additionally, the project has created over 1,000 union jobs in New York City and leveraged local businesses to do the work, opening the door to a better life for all of us.

While there were some bumps along the way, such as temporary disruptions to neighborhoods where construction was underway, there was always an open line of communication and constant updates. These minor, short-term disruptions were far outweighed by the project’s benefits—clean, reliable, and affordable energy for generations to come. How many communities here on Long Island can say they are helping to lead in sustainability and reverse the effects of climate change?

More offshore wind farms are needed to generate reliable, renewable energy for New York City. These projects are a powerful way to generate electricity, and unlike some alternatives, they do not pollute the air we breathe. They also increase job opportunities. If your community is looking to transition to a cleaner, more sustainable future and create more good-paying jobs, we are ready to be a resource.

Let’s start powering our lives and economies with offshore wind energy.

Kathee Burke-Gonzalez serves as East Hampton Town Supervisor.