Letter to the PSC from NYLCV

April 16, 2020

Honorable Anthony Belsito
Administrative Law Judge
New York State Department of Public Service
Three Empire Plaza Albany,
New York 12233-1350 

Re: Case 18-T-0604 – Application of Deepwater Wind South Fork, LLC for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need for the Construction of Approximately 3.5 Miles (3.1 Nautical Miles) (138 kilovolt [kV]) of Submarine Export Cable from the New York State Territorial Waters Boundary to the South Shore of the Town of East Hampton in Suffolk County and Approximately 4.1 Miles (138 kV) of Terrestrial Export Cable from the South Shore of the Town of East Hampton to an Interconnection Facility with an Interconnection Cable Connecting to the Existing East Hampton Substation, in the Town of East Hampton in Suffolk County 

Dear Judge Belsito: 

I am writing to oppose further delays as requested in a letter dated April 1, 2020, by the Citizens for the Preservation of Wainscott, Inc. seeking an adjournment of the litigation schedule in this proceeding “until a new schedule can be formulated” or, in the alternative, a 90-day extension of the existing litigation schedule. The current extension of 60 days already granted by the court is understandable due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic; however, any further delay in this process is not necessary and will not be beneficial, rather it will only hinder and slow the important process of this project. 

The New York League of Conservation Voters (NYLCV) is the only statewide environmental organization in New York that fights for clean water, clean air, renewable energy, and open space through political action. We strongly support New York’s ongoing commitment and transition to renewable energy. Moving toward 100% clean energy is the basis for a sustainable and resilient future. 

In 2019 New York State, led by Governor Cuomo and the legislature took bold action in signing to law the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), which went into effect in January 2020. The CLCPA mandates that 70% of NY’s electric generation comes from renewable energy by 2030, and 100% by 2040. New York State also committed to the 

development of 9000 megawatts of offshore wind by 2035. Additionally, in 2020 the Governor and the Legislature agreed to adopt the Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act to expedite the regulatory review for siting major renewable energy facilities. These ambitious goals put New York at the forefront of the fight against climate change and demonstrate New York’s position as a sustainability-driven state. 

Long Island is a critical component of these environmental initiatives. The South Fork Wind Farm is one crucial project that is mobilizing New York toward its energy objectives. This initiative will promote green jobs, minimize fossil fuel use in Long Island, assist in meeting the energy needs on the South Fork, and combat climate change. For these reasons, the South Fork Wind Farm simply cannot be delayed any longer. 

While the circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic are extremely difficult, this project is too important for future economic growth, as well as aiding New York’s economy upon re-opening, to be forgotten and prolonged even during these challenging times. We urge for this project to move forward, free of delay. 

Sincerely, 

Julie Tighe
President
New York League of Conservation Voters