Benefiting a community in need
- Port Cortlandt represents a remarkable opportunity to bring green jobs, community benefits, and a new source of revenue to the Hudson Valley when needed the most. The shutdown and decommissioning of the Indian Point Energy Center will leave its largest impact on local residents, businesses, and schools.
- Over $30 million in lost annual revenue will result from the closure of Indian Point Energy Center to local governments, school districts, fire districts, and libraries. The immediate loss of income in the community while Indian Point Energy Center is winding down operations and being decommissioned is a significant challenge facing local residents and businesses.
- The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act defines disadvantaged communities as those that “bear burdens of negative public health effects, environmental pollution, impacts of climate change, and possess certain socioeconomic criteria, or comprise high-concentrations of low- and moderate- income households.” Port Cortlandt promises to address many of these challenges faced by the local community.
Benefiting the environment
- Port Cortlandt likely has no significant contamination or other environmental concerns, and its development would necessitate limited in-water construction.
- The site is also well-protected from storm surge and flooding. Port Cortlandt will be a shining example for New York State’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
Benefiting the industry
- New York State boasts the nation’s most ambitious offshore wind energy goal, with the call for 9,000 megawatts of offshore energy by 2035 codified in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
- The first award for nearly 1,700 megawatts of offshore energy was announced in July 2019, and in July 2020 the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority issued an additional solicitation for up to 2,500 megawatts of offshore wind energy.
- New York State will invest up to $200 million in port infrastructure improvements to leverage and strengthen private investment and maximize long-term economic benefits. Port Cortlandt is among the 11 ports eligible for New York State reimbursement-based grant funding and State-assisted financing.
Benefiting the workforce
- The supply chain bringing large-scale offshore wind development to fruition can be a major economic driver for New York at a time when workforce development and preservation are essential.
- New York’s offshore wind master plan estimated that construction of 2,400 megawatts of offshore wind could create 5,000 new jobs and more than $6 billion in economic benefits. Imagine what that means for 9,000 megawatts of energy!
- The U.S. Department of Energy estimates the average utility-scale wind turbine contains roughly 8,000 parts, from large-ticket items like blades, towers, and nacelles to thousands of ancillary parts.