New York Environmental Technical Working Group

Events and Announcements

In October 2019, NYSERDA finalized contracts to purchase power from the Empire Wind and Sunrise Wind offshore wind projects. The contracts include environmental mitigation plans as well as a commitment from both developers to consult with the E-TWG to further refine these plans. Learn more

NYSERDA has selected five multi-year projects totaling more than $2 million dollars to study important environmental and commercial fishing topics related to offshore wind energy development. These projects will help advance New York’s ambitious renewable energy goals. Learn more

In July 2019, Governor Cuomo announced the winners of New York's first comprehensive offshore wind solicitation: the Empire Wind project (Equinore U.S Holdings, Inc.) and Sunrise Wind project (Bay State Wind LLC). Combined, both projects will total 1,700 megawatts, enough to power over 1 million homes. Learn more

The New York State Environmental Technical Working Group (E-TWG) is a team of stakeholders that provides advice on how to advance offshore wind energy development in environmentally responsible ways.

What is the Environmental Technical Working Group (E-TWG)?

The E-TWG is an independent advisory body to the State of New York with a regional focus on offshore wind and wildlife issues in the eastern U.S. It is comprised of offshore wind developers and science-based environmental non-government organizations (NGOs), as well as state and federal wildlife regulatory agencies.

Mission

The E-TWG helps promote environmentally responsible advancement of offshore wind development through (1) regional collaboration and (2) advice and guidance to New York State.

E-TWG Objectives

Improve our understanding of, and ability to manage for, potential effects of offshore wind energy development on wildlife.
Develop transparent, collaborative processes for identifying and addressing priority issues relating to wildlife monitoring and mitigation.
Reduce permitting risk and uncertainty for developers by improving clarity in expectations and processes for wildlife monitoring and mitigation.

Who We Are

The E-TWG is led by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), and includes offshore wind developers with active leases between Massachusetts and North Carolina; science-based environmental NGOs with expertise on offshore wind energy issues; state agency representatives from Massachusetts to Virginia; and federal agencies with offshore wind and wildlife jurisdiction. Learn more

E-TWG Charter

The Charter describes the mission, objectives, and tasks proposed for the Environmental Technical Working Group. Learn more