NY's 3rd Offshore Wind Solicitation & Public Service Commission ruling

Climate Jobs NY (CJNY) continues to monitor and advocate for strong labor standards in the State's 3rd offshore wind solicitation. This solicitation is robust in that it addresses many sectors within the offshore wind industry by not only selecting more projects to meet the state's energy targets, but $500 million phased investments in the domestic supply chain; analyzing meshed-ready and meshed offshore grid systems; Buy-American steel and iron provisions; and looking at future energy storage capabilities. 

We expect the final RFP (Request For Proposal) to be released this summer with awardees for projects and the first round of supply chain investment by the end of this year. Stay tuned! 

Public Service Commission Order: Statewide Cost-sharing for T&D!

A key victory this month for downstate ratepayers was the Public Service Commission reversal of a previous March 2021 order that would have unduly borne 75 percent of the costs for offshore wind related transmission and distribution grid upgrades on NYC and LI ratepayers. Thanks to intervention from labor; environmental; utility; and industry organizations, the PSC ruled that the costs will be shared statewide based on load-ratio share methodology instead of the "economic beneficiaries" model. This means that Long Island ratepayers will pay approximately 14% of the costs for clean energy-related grid upgrades instead of 75%. Read more here!

New report gives roadmap to fight climate crisis

CJNY adopted Climate for Change, A Complete Climate Jobs Roadmap for NYC, a new report just released by Cornell University’s Labor Leading on Climate Program. The report presents a roadmap for New York City to fight the climate crisis, make NYC safer and address racial and economic inequity by investing in a pro-worker renewable energy transition. The report, which finds that more can be done to reach and accelerate New York City’s climate goals and ensure climate work is happening at scale, outlines a concrete plan for the City to slash emissions and create high-quality union careers.  

Click here to read the Report.

The report comes as the Adams administration and city officials debate how to invest millions of dollars in unallocated federal infrastructure and relief funds. The report was developed in consultation with unions including the NYC Central Labor Council AFL-CIO, 32BJ SEIU, United Federation of Teachers, Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York, District Council 37 and the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators, New York State Nurses Association, Communication Workers of America and UA Local Union No. 1 The Plumbers of New York City as well as environmental, industry and governmental leaders in New York City.

CJNY in the News

The NY Bight could write the book on how we build offshore wind farms in the future, Popular Science

• The NY Bight could write the book on how we build offshore wind farms in the future, Popular ScienceAs we have mentioned time and time again, the NY Bight is crucial for meeting the state's, region's, and country's offshore wind targets. CJNY was quoted in the article bringing labor's voice into the industry conversation. We highlighted the importance of high-road jobs in offshore wind because we need to address the climate crisis AND the growing inequalities we see in our communities. Read more here.

OPED: NYC Students Deserve Carbon-Free and Healthy Schools, City Limits

• Council members Carmen De La Rosa and Rita Joseph express why the Carbon-Free and Healthy Schools plan would be transformational. Read more here.

CJNY's Carbon-Free and Healthy Schools Campaign

We can make NYC schools carbon-free, healthier and safer, create good union jobs, and save schools millions in energy costs and you can help.

The Carbon-Free and Healthy Schools Campaign is a movement of teachers, school staff, parents, students, construction workers, and school communities united to decarbonize public school buildings, advance racial equity, and create millions of good-paying union jobs in communities that need them most.

Together, we aim to:

• Overhaul our nation’s outdated schools to provide a safe, healthy, and COVID-resistant environment for all teachers, students, and workers.
• Tackle the climate crisis and reduce air pollution by making all school buildings zero carbon.
• Create millions of good-paying, union jobs that uplift local communities.
• Save districts money by slashing school energy use.
• Teach students about the retrofit of their schools and how they can pursue union jobs in the clean energy economy.

Click here to learn more about the Carbon-Free and Healthy Schools Campaign.

What's Brewin' Offshore?" June 9th!

During Earth Week, our Patchogue event had over 70 attendees! To kick off the summer season, it is fitting that we have our next "What's Brewin'" in the Hamptons!

Please join us Thursday, June 9th from 6-8pm at the Westhampton Beach Brewing Co. Guests will get to know the proposed offshore wind farms, their environmental benefits, and the job opportunities expected on Long Island in the years to come as well as how to get involved. RSVP here and share with your family, friends and neighbors!