The Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) has postponed the meeting on Deepwater Wind’s 90MW Deepwater ONE – South Fork project, after receiving a request by its partner agency NYSERDA (New York State Energy and Research Development Authority) to do so.
At the meeting, which was scheduled for 20 July, LIPA was expected to approve the 90MW wind farm off New York.
However, NYSEDRA requested the postponement to align the proposed Long Island project with the State’s offshore wind master plan and the State’s Clean Energy Standard, both of which are scheduled to be released in the next several weeks, LIPA informed.
LIPA’s Board of Trustees meeting will be held after the release of the State’s offshore wind report. “There are no time sensitive matters on LIPA’s Board agenda, and the Authority expects to reschedule the meeting after the release of the NYSERDA off-shore wind blueprint. All scheduled committee meetings are postponed as well. LIPA remains committed to its renewable energy goals and meeting the energy needs of the South Fork.”
In response to the the postponement of LIPA’s vote to approve Deepwater Wind’s proposal, the Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Natural Resources Defense Council, National Wildlife Federation, Renewable Energy Long Island, and the Sierra Club issued the following statement:
“Today’s announcement to postpone LIPA’s vote for an offshore wind farm over 30 miles from Montauk is deeply disappointing. Last week, Governor Cuomo issued a statement in support of the project, saying: ‘I strongly encourage the Trustees to once again demonstrate New York’s leadership on climate change and help achieve the state’s ambitious goal of supplying 50 percent of our electricity from renewable energy by 2030.’ Today, we are calling on Governor Cuomo to follow through on this commitment to support offshore wind and work with LIPA to expeditiously reschedule this historic vote.
“We couldn’t agree with the Governor more when he says that this project is ‘another opportunity for this state to lead the nation in creating a stronger, more resilient energy system and protecting the environment for future generations.’ When opportunity knocks, we must open the door. We need Governor Cuomo to ensure this vote happens quickly so that offshore wind power becomes a reality for New York.
“A timely commitment to offshore wind power for the South Fork is not only important in achieving Governor Cuomo’s laudable goal of 50 percent renewable energy by 2030, but it’s also critical for ensuring the reliable, cost-effective and clean operation of the electric system on the South Fork. In the absence of this wind farm, LIPA will be forced to add more fossil-fueled power plants that will increase costs for all ratepayers.”