Equinor, BP terminate Empire Wind 2 agreement

Equinor and BP announced Wednesday an agreement with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to terminate the Offshore Wind Renewable Energy Certificate Agreement for the Empire Wind 2 project, an offshore wind project that would impact Long Beach and other nearby towns.

“Commercial viability is fundamental for ambitious projects of this size and scale. The Empire Wind 2 decision provides the opportunity to reset and develop a stronger and more robust project going forward,” Molly Morris, President of Equinor Renewables Americas, said in a release. “We will continue to closely engage our many community partners across the state. As evidenced by the progress at the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal, our offshore wind activity is ready to generate union jobs and significant economic activity in New York.”

“BP is supportive of NYSERDA’s leadership and commitment to offshore wind, which we believe is a critical part of New York State’s and America’s clean energy future,” said Joshua Weinstein, BP’s President of Offshore Wind Americas. “Offshore wind can deliver reliable renewable power as well as economic benefits to the state and its communities.”

The Empire Wind 1 and Empire Wind 2 projects recently reached a key federal permitting milestone, having received the federal Record of Decision from BOEM; last month, Empire Wind 1 also received its Article VII Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need in New York.

Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick and Assemblyman Ari Brown, who have been instrumental in elevating residents' voices regarding this endeavor, spoke on the matter.

"Upholding safety and quality of life in our community are paramount. The poor financial planning and lack of community engagement demonstrated by Equinor doomed this project right from the start," said Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick. "The termination of the OREC Agreement for the Empire Wind 2 project reflects the tireless efforts of myself and Assemblyman Brown, buoyed by the strong voices of our constituents, to ensure that proposed offshore wind projects are held to account for the potential impacts on our communities. I will remain steadfast in elevating the needs of South Shore residents and will always fight for their interests at every level to safeguard our environment."

"Alongside our neighbors and constituents, Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick and I have dedicated ourselves to a tireless effort to safeguard our community's interests," said Assemblyman Ari Brown. "The termination of the Empire Wind 2 project's OREC Agreement reflects our commitment to ensuring our community's well-being amidst challenges faced by the offshore wind industry. We persist in prioritizing our community's safety, well-being and energy needs."