(Boston, MA) – Vineyard Offshore, America’s leading offshore wind development company, has submitted a proposal for a 1,350 megawatt (MW) offshore wind project in response to the fifth solicitation for offshore wind capacity from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). Vineyard Offshore included with its proposal for Excelsior Wind more than 100 letters of support from local leaders and a host of stakeholders, including labor unions, fishermen, local businesses, workforce development agencies, and environmental organizations. Below are excerpts from selected letters of support:  

Business Groups

“The economic potential of Vineyard Offshore’s proposed next large-scale offshore wind project is significant, including thousands of job opportunities for residents; millions of dollars in supply chain benefits for our small business community, including minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses; and clean energy that will power homes and businesses on Long Island. Vineyard Offshore has proven to be a committed partner in our region and is already dedicating resources to support programs that improve local communities.” – Matt Cohen, President and CEO, Long Island Association

“We believe that Vineyard Offshore has demonstrated a commitment to protect and preserve Long Island’s economic viability. Vineyard Offshore has demonstrated global and regional leadership in offshore wind. The combination of local experience and market success makes Vineyard Offshore a proven developer for Long Island.” – Kyle Strober, Executive Director, The Association for a Better Long Island

“Vineyard Offshore’s focus on sustainability and community development resonates strongly with our mission. We see tremendous potential in collaborating with Vineyard Offshore to not only open new career pathways but also to contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive future for Brooklyn’s dynamic community.” – Randy Peers, President and CEO, Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce

“For two years, the Network has worked in partnership with Vineyard Offshore to hold educational and networking events for diverse businesses in Massachusetts. Several of our businesses have gone on to win supply chain contracts, creating new jobs and building local support for the industry. Our collaboration has resulted in more than 200 diverse businesses being educated on supply chain opportunities, and we have expanded the collaboration to include supply chain and careers events for local tribes. The Network is confident that Vineyard Offshore will take a proactive approach to community engagement and local supply chain development, as well as bring rare, domestic expertise to responsible and timely project development.” – Liz Burdock, President and CEO, Oceantic Network

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Labor

“As New York State works to combat the effects of climate change, it is critical that we have partners in the offshore wind industry that will address the needs of working people. We look forward to working with Vineyard Offshore to create a cleaner, brighter future with high quality union jobs.” – John R. Durso, President, Long Island Federation of Labor

"The offshore wind industry represents a true, just transition for our workforce that currently supports fossil fuel-based infrastructure. We welcome the opportunity to work with Vineyard Offshore and feel continuously impressed with the reliable communication and engagement from their team.” – Matthew Aracich, President, Building and Construction Trades Council of Nassau and Suffolk Counties

“The New York City District Council of Carpenters supports large-scale energy infrastructure projects in New York like the Vineyard Offshore project. This project will provide good union jobs for our skilled membership. Consequently, the Carpenters Union is in favor of moving ahead with the construction of the Vineyard Offshore project.” – Joseph A. Geiger, Executive Secretary-Treasurer, New York City District Council of Carpenters

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Education and Opportunity

“Vineyard Offshore’s dedication to advancing New York’s clean energy goals resonates with our mission of fostering sustainability education and community empowerment. We believe that by partnering with Vineyard Offshore, we can create new opportunities to expand our reach and impact, helping to build a more sustainable future for students and communities alike.” – Christine Zagari-LoPorto, Associate Dean, Kingsborough Community College; CUNY Offshore Wind Advisory Network

“Vineyard Offshore’s team has met with NCC and has been open and transparent about the project. We have appreciated its proactive approach in identifying opportunities for us to collaborate. We are excited that, if this project were awarded, our partnership could deepen, wherein together we could ensure that we are educating and training tomorrow’s workforce and its leaders in renewable energy.” – Dr. Maria P. Conzatti, Chief Administrative Officer, Nassau Community College

“As a leader in workforce development, OBT aims to break the cycle of poverty and inequity through targeted educational, job training, and employment initiatives. We recognize the impact of structural inequalities and are dedicated to removing barriers that have historically limited access to opportunities. By aligning our resources and expertise with Vineyard Offshore’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, we can create impactful educational experiences that inspire and prepare individuals for the challenges of tomorrow.”  – Evelyn Ortiz, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow

“La Colmena is a community-based organization founded in 2014, dedicated to empowering day laborers, domestic workers, and other low-wage immigrant workers in Staten Island. Vineyard Offshore’s dedication to advancing New York’s clean energy goals resonates with our mission of fostering economic development and community empowerment. We believe that by partnering with Vineyard Offshore, we can create new opportunities for our members and help build a sustainable future that includes and benefits everyone.” – Yesenia Mata, Executive Director, La Colmena

“We see Vineyard Offshore’s commitment to sustainability and community development as an extension of the work we do to prepare the next generation of climate-conscious leaders. As a school dedicated to climate justice, we are excited about the potential collaboration with Vineyard Offshore to inspire and empower our students. We believe this partnership will provide valuable educational opportunities and help build a more inclusive and resilient community.” – Kimberly Swanson, Principal, High School for Climate Justice

“At South Bronx Unite, we recognize the critical importance of ensuring that the benefits of development are shared with local communities, particularly those that have been historically marginalized and burdened by environmental injustices. Vineyard Offshore understands the environmental challenges faced by communities like ours, and will create meaningful opportunities for local residents to thrive in offshore wind. We expect that Vineyard Offshore will be good environmental stewards, ensuring that important marine habitat and small, local fisheries and are not negatively impacted.” – Arif Ullah, Executive Director, South Bronx Unite

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Community

“Vineyard Offshore has not only been a driving force in the clean energy sector but has also demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the Long Island community and beyond. By continuously supporting initiatives that promote job creation, health resources, and economic advancement, Vineyard Offshore has established itself as a true community partner. Their efforts have played a pivotal role in exposing Long Islanders to opportunities that enrich their lives and build a stronger, more resilient community.” – Trevor Jackson, Managing Director, This Is Long Island LLC

“STRONG Youth Inc, is a leading nonprofit focused on violence prevention and intervention, providing services and support to youth and families, with offices in Nassau and Suffolk County. We fully support Vineyard Offshore’s efforts to advance New York next large-scale offshore wind project to support the state’s clean energy and climate goals Supporting environmentally friendly sources of power is essential for the betterment of our society, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.” – Rahsmia Zatar, Executive Director, STRONG Youth, Inc., Uniondale

“Our organization recognizes the critical importance of clean energy initiatives to the future of New York, both for environmental sustainability and economic development. Vineyard Offshore’s commitment to advancing the state’s clean energy goals aligns with our values and our vision for a healthier, more resilient community. We believe that their work will not only contribute significantly to the state’s clean energy and climate objectives but also bring substantial economic and environmental benefits to communities like ours.” – Elder Reginald Benjamin, Executive Director, ABBA Leadership Center, Hempstead  

“Vineyard Offshore has been a dedicated supporter of our community, offering vital assistance that helps us continue our mission. Their commitment to giving back has made a significant impact, and we are incredibly grateful for their generosity. We are committed to fostering this partnership and continuing to work together for the betterment of those we serve.” – Eric Rucker, Director, Long Island Verified

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Environmental

“We appreciate Vineyard Offshore’s proactive efforts to engage with environmental and community organizations during the proposal’s development to understand our views on offshore wind and identify potential opportunities to advance environmental and related initiatives in the event their proposal is selected for an award. Now is the time for climate action. That means we need projects like Vineyard Offshore in operation to deliver clean energy to meet the requirements of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.” – Julie Tighe, President, New York League of Conservation Voters

“Vineyard Offshore is continuing to demonstrate good environmental stewardship practices as they seek to advance their new projects and proposals. They have already begun ongoing conversations with environmental groups and wildlife experts to deploy mitigation practices for potential impacts on fisheries and avian species in New York. Based on our work with Vineyard Offshore, we support Vineyard Offshore’s proposal for New York’s fifth offshore wind solicitation.” – Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director, Citizens Campaign for the Environment

“We appreciate Vineyard Offshore’s proactive efforts to engage with environmental and community organizations during proposal development to understand our views on offshore wind. We have had multiple discussions with Vineyard Offshore regarding their projects and plans to protect the environments and communities in which they work. We welcome the opportunity to continue the conversation and advance their efforts to develop well-sited offshore wind projects with minimal environmental impact.”  – Rob Weltner, President, Operation SPLASH

“Vineyard Offshore’s dedication to advancing New York’s clean energy goals resonates with our mission of fostering sustainability education and community empowerment. We believe that by partnering with Vineyard Offshore, we can create new opportunities to expand our reach and impact, helping to build a more sustainable future for students and communities alike.” – Tara Stafford Ocansey, Executive Director, Children’s Environmental Literacy Foundation  

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About Vineyard Offshore

Vineyard Offshore, an affiliate of CIP, is leading the development of two lease areas in the Northeast, OCS-A 522, known as Vineyard Northeast, located off the coast of Massachusetts and OCS-A 544, known as Vineyard Mid-Atlantic and home to the Excelsior Wind Project, located in the New York Bight. Additionally, the company is working to develop a project off the coast of Humboldt County in Northern California, in lease area OCS-P 0562. Combined with its joint venture development of the first-in-the-nation offshore wind project, Vineyard Wind 1, Vineyard Offshore has the potential to develop more than 6 gigawatts of clean, renewable, and affordable energy on the East and West Coasts of the United States.  To learn more, visit: www.vineyardoffshore.com. 

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