CLIMATE JOBS NY

March 2024

South Fork Wind is First-in-the-Nation Utility-Scale Wind Farm

Aleshandra Fernandes, Long Island resident and proud member of Ironworkers Local 361 who worked on the construction of South Fork Wind

South Fork Wind’s 12 wind turbines are operating and delivering clean power to the Long Island electric grid thanks to the cutting-edge work of New York union members! On March 14th, Climate Jobs New York joined Secretary of the Interior Haaland, Governor Hochul, labor leaders, union members, environmental justice organizations, and industry representatives to mark the achievement of the first utility-scale wind farm in the United States. 

South Fork Wind produces energy from turbines that are roughly 35 miles off the coast of Montauk and will, at full capacity, generate enough electricity to power approximately 70,000 homes. The estimated six million tons of carbon emissions reductions produced over the life of the project is the equivalent of removing 60,000 cars off the road for the next twenty years. The successful completion of this project is a huge step towards achieving the renewable energy goals set in New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. 

Additionally, union members who live and work on Long Island helped build and benefit from the South Fork Wind project. By showing that union labor is the linchpin for safe, timely, and effective renewable energy projects, these union members are paving the way for a future in which the green transition uplifts working people. During this year’s Women’s History Month, Long Island resident Aleshandra Fernandes of Ironworkers Local 361 is a great example of the many female union workers leading the renewable energy transition. Click here to hear more about her story! 

Legislation to rapidly expand NYC’s solar energy production on schools and public buildings has gained widespread and bipartisan support in the City Council. With 27 co-sponsors, the bill, Int. No. 353, already has majority support from Council members. This legislation will ensure the city leads in the green transition and provides opportunities for working people to enter careers in the renewable energy economy. Moreover, making this a “win-win-win,” the city could produce significant cost savings via solar power by greatly reducing reliance on fossil fuel energy sources. 

To bolster momentum, the Carbon Free and Healthy Schools Campaign will be holding a lobby day on April 11th. Our coalition of unions will be meeting with Council members to explain how this legislation can improve the schools and buildings they work in while also turning them into tools in the fight against climate change. 

Read more about the NYC Public Solar Power legislation that the Carbon Free and Healthy Schools Campaign is supporting!

As part of the Wind Works New York coalition, Climate Jobs New York has endorsed a petition to Governor Kathy Hochul that calls for continued and prioritized support for all offshore wind projects in the state. New York is currently aiming to produce  9,000 megawatts of energy from offshore wind by 2035—enough power for up to 6 million homes. In meeting this ambitious goal, the state has the opportunity to also create family-sustaining, union jobs, reignite local manufacturing, and reduce harmful fossil fuel emissions. 



SIGN YOUR NAME TO THE PETITION HERE!