Using and Protecting New York's Precious Stretch of Ocean

As reported last fall in WaterWire, President Obama's Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force released a report in September 2009 that addressed the nation's ocean uses, including wind energy. At the State level, the NY Department of State is amending New York State's Coastal Management Program under the authority of the federal Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972. This work will be integrated with broader efforts at the interstate and national levels. The focus of this phased approach will be the development of siting criteria for offshore wind development and the identification critical habitats in need of greater protection in the ocean waters off our state's shores. Below are answers to frequently asked questions about the project.

WHAT IS NEW YORK STATE AMENDING?

• New York State Department of State (DOS) is amending its Coastal Management Program (CMP), under the authority of the federal Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) of 1972, to appropriately site offshore wind energy facilities and provide greater protection of ocean habitats.

WHY IS NEW YORK STATE DOING THIS?

• The Atlantic is the windiest coastal area off the United States, and New York's offshore area is one of the windiest along the Atlantic. Taking advantage of this readily available renewable resource will help New York State meet its goal of reducing dependency on fossil fuels, while meeting growing energy demand. Under the CZMA, states with approved Coastal Management Programs have the authority to approve or deny a proposed federal action no matter where it may occur, if the action may affect that state's coastal resources. To better address issues associated with offshore wind development and critical habitat protection as it makes decisions on federal actions, DOS will develop criteria for siting offshore wind facilities and for protecting critical ocean habitat.

This map shows Phases 1 and 2 (of 3) of the Atlantic Ocean Amendment to the NYS Coastal Management Plan. Phase 1 includes parts of the Atlantic Ocean south of Long Island and NYC, the Hudson Canyon depression out to the continental shelf and the continental shelf edge and slope. Phase 2 will address the Peconic Estuary at the eastern end of Long Island and the rest of the Atlantic off the shores of New York. Phase 3 will focus on Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.


IS NEW YORK STATE ALONE IN THIS EFFORT?

• The federal government is interested in offshore renewable energy. In December, 2009, President Obama's Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force released its interim framework for coastal and marine spatial planning to address emerging ocean uses including wind energy. Through the Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean (MARCO), DOS is working to develop a regional approach that fits within the new national framework. The Department of Interior (DOI) is the federal agency responsible for leasing blocks of the ocean for offshore wind energy development. The DOS has been designated as the state agency lead to coordinate with the federal government on offshore renewable energy. Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Jersey and Oregon are engaged in similar ocean planning efforts.

To see a progress report from the Dept. of State, click here.