Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick and Assemblyman Brown Respond to Equinor/bp Terminating the Offshore Wind Renewable Energy Certificate Agreement

January 8, 2024

Albany, NY – Today, the Empire Wind 2 offshore wind project announced an agreement with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) that would terminate the project’s Offshore Wind Renewable Energy Certificate (OREC) Agreement in response to the significant economic and local challenges that the project has faced since its inception. Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick and Assemblyman Ari Brown, who have been instrumental in elevating residents’ voices in regards to this endeavor, offered the following statements on the matter:

"Upholding safety and quality-of-life in our community are paramount. The poor financial planning and lack of community engagement demonstrated by Equinor doomed this project right from the start. The termination of the OREC Agreement for the Empire Wind 2 project reflects the tireless efforts of myself and Assemblyman Brown, buoyed by the strong voices of our constituents, to ensure that proposed offshore wind projects are held to account for the potential impacts on our communities. I will remain steadfast in elevating the needs of South Shore residents and will always fight for their interests at every level to safeguard our environment," said Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick.

“Alongside our neighbors and constituents, Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick and I have dedicated ourselves to a tireless effort to safeguard our community's interests. The termination of the Empire Wind 2 project's OREC Agreement reflects our commitment to ensuring our community's well-being amidst challenges faced by the offshore wind industry. We persist in prioritizing our community's safety, well-being and energy needs,” said Assemblyman Ari Brown.

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