EJ-TWG is a working group dedicated to advising New York State’s offshore wind energy goals with environmental justice at the forefront.
A forum for discussion between key parties working on New York offshore wind projects.
What is the Offshore Wind Environmental Technical Justice Working Group?
The EJ-TWG is an independent advisory board that includes environmental justice groups, Indigenous nations, offshore wind developers, federal agencies, and workforce organizations. Their goal is to ensure that at least 35%, with a target of 40%, of the benefits from New York's offshore wind projects go to underserved or disadvantaged communities, in line with the Community Protection and Climate Leadership Act (CLCPA) requirements.
EJ-TWG’s Mission
The mission of the Offshore Wind Environmental Justice Technical Working Group is to provide a forum for discussion between key parties working on New York offshore wind projects that supports transparency, collaborations, data sharing, advice, and guidance to help steer New York’s efforts in ensuring offshore wind development prioritizes and benefits areas that meet the criteria of disadvantaged communities.
The work will be conducted collaboratively and consider a variety of perspectives informed by local knowledge and experience to produce outcomes based on shared goals.
EJ-TWG Objectives
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), is convening the EJ-TWG to directly engage environmental and climate justice organizations, indigenous nations, offshore wind developers, federal agencies, workforce development organizations, and other environmental justice allies for a just transition and disadvantaged communities who have an inherent interest and ability to develop the offshore wind industry in New York.
Membership and Meetings
The EJ-TWG members includes NYSERDA staff, developers with New York Bight offshore wind leases, workforce development organizations, and state and federal representatives for a just transition and disadvantaged communities, and EJ organization leaders that stand to benefit from offshore wind projects. Members were selected to represent key development regions, stakeholder interests, and industry participation.
New York State Governor Announces Two Offshore Wind Project Awards to Deliver Clean Power in 2026
February 29, 2024
New York state Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the State has conditionally awarded two offshore wind projects from its fourth offshore wind solicitation – a planned 810-megawatt project, Empire Wind 1, (developed by Equinor) and Sunrise Wind, a planned 924-megawatt project (developed by Orsted and Eversource).