Long Island November Report

Climate Jobs NY | Long Island Report, November 2021

South Fork gets the Green Light from New York State

We did it! The South Fork Offshore Wind Project has all state approvals to become our first offshore wind project. Last week, the New York Public Service Commission (PSC) approved the Environmental Management and Construction Plan (EM&CP) and the Federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) issued its Record of Decision on the project. This is the moment we have been waiting for this year. Anticipating the approval of the Construction and Operations Plan in January from BOEM, construction will begin in the first quarter of 2022!

The PSC highlighted CJNY's comments in the order which included how the "project will use local contractors in Nassau and Suffolk Counties and will make significant investments in the areas of Port Jefferson and East Setauket for operations and maintenance facilities which will create hundreds of long-term jobs for Long Island residents. CJNY also highlights the Certificate Holder’s commitment to work with organized labor to offer training programs to enrich the pool of qualified workers to continue to perform on offshore wind projects. CJNY believes that the Project is crucial for servicing local energy demand and lays the groundwork for future offshore wind development in New York State." We are on our way to start construction in the New Year for this offshore wind project with union labor!

Organizations Call on Long Island Congressional Delegation to Pass the Build Back Better Act!

Following the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure bill, I participated in a press conference with our fellow labor leaders and environmental allies to call on our Long Island Congressional delegation to pass the Build Back Better Act, which passed the House on Friday, November 19.

The Build Back Better Act includes $555 billion in climate and clean energy investments that we need in order to help address the intersecting crises of climate change and inequality. Tax credits for renewables, energy storage, transmission infrastructure are key in securing an equitable clean energy economy that is centered on working families and communities. We are looking forward to passage in the Senate and this crucial piece of legislation to be signed into law shortly.

Check out the coverage from Newsday here.

NYSERDA "Learning from the Experts" A Panel on Offshore Wind Economic Benefits

On November 10, I was a panelist during NYSERDA's "Learning from the Experts" series focused on offshore wind. I had a great discussion with my fellow panelists including Nse Esema with the NYC Economic Development Corporation, Katie Newcombe with the Center for Economic Growth, and David Whipple with the Empire State Development. I wrapped up the session focusing on how good union jobs are essential to creating a clean energy economy centered on justice and community economic development.

You can find a recording of the session here.

Long Island Business News' Long Island's 30 Under 30 Awards

I want to share an incredible milestone I experienced this month. I was honored to receive the Long Island Business News' 30 under 30 distinction with my friend and fellow labor warrior, Imran Ansari. I am grateful to everyone who has been a part of my journey and thank my family, mentors, and friends for supporting me along the way. I'm just getting warmed up!

(L-R) Liz Ansari, Mariah Dignan, CJNY Long Island Organizer, Imran Ansari, Political Coordinator, Long Island Federation, and Nassau County Executive Laura Curran.

In solidarity,

Mariah Dignan

Long Island Organizer

Climate Jobs NY

[email protected]

646-708-5474

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