New York State
Environmental Technical Working Group

E-TWG Activities
E-TWG Activities
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The Environmental Technical Working Group (E-TWG) is involved in many ongoing efforts related to the environmentally responsible development of offshore wind. The E-TWG has identified priorities around improving communications around environmental issues and offshore wind development (pursued via Specialist Committees), information sharing via State of the Science Workshops and synthesis of data to inform stakeholders, and supporting regional monitoring efforts.​

Specialist Committees
The E-TWG pursues various priorities via topically-focused Specialist Committees that bring together science-based subject matter expertise to develop collaborative products. Current efforts include the development of communications resources to answer key questions related to birds and offshore wind development and improving access to existing resources and expertise around environmental issues and offshore wind development to help stakeholders communicate more effectively with the public.

Synthesis of Data to Inform Stakeholders
Following a directive from the E-TWG to support information sharing and synthesis of data to inform stakeholers, NYSERDA has developed a library of free, publicly available webinars related to offshore wind energy development and wildlife to serve as a resource for stakeholders. In addition, NYSERDA periodically hosts a webinar series, Learning from the Experts to connect the public with independent experts on key topics related to offshore wind​​.

Supporting Regional Monitoring
The E-TWG identified support for regional monitoring networks as a key priority, which falls within the purview of the Regional Wildlife Science Collaborative (RWSC). The E-TWG is supporting these efforts by providing E-TWG staff time to support RWSC efforts focused on developing a framework for regional bird tracking studies and studies to improve our understanding of changes in marine bird distributions at a regional scale.
Photo credits: Dogfish shark © Boris Pamikov - Shuttershock; Offshore windfarm © Chuyuss - Shuttershock; Loggerhead sea turtle © Kate Sutherland; School of sardines © Andrea Izzotti - Fotolio; Gulls © Maria Maliy - Unsplash; Humpback whale © Sandra Seitamaa - Unsplash; Wind farm © David Will - Pixabay