Offshore wind, federal rollbacks, and the fight for New York’s clean energy future

By Jasmin Singer,

Megan Mack, Veronica Volk, Julie Williams

Published April 25, 2025 at 4:01 PM EDT

Two women wearing headphones sit in front of microphones in a radio talk studio: a woman at left has long brown hair and is wearing a black cardigan sweater over a light green button-down shirt; a woman at right has short dark hair and is wearing glasses, a cream button-down shirt, black and white skirt and black boots.

1 of 3 — Alicia Gené Artessa on "Environmental Connections"

Alicia Gené Artessa on "Environmental Connections" on Friday, April 25, 2025

Mary Hussong-Kallen / WXXI News

A smiling bald man with a grey goatee stands with his arms crossed in front of a white wall while wearing a light grey blazer over a light blue button-down shirt.

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Julie Tighe

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Jasmin Singer, host of WXXI's "Environmental Connections," on the set of the show. — Jasmin Singer, host of WXXI's Environmental Connections, on the set of the show. (photo by Max Schulte)

We turn to offshore wind — once the centerpiece of New York’s clean energy plan. With a mandate of 9 gigawatts by 2030, the state has invested heavily in offshore wind projects.

But political pushback, cost overruns, and a sudden halt to Empire Wind 1 by the Trump administration have put the future of the entire sector in doubt.

What’s behind the delays? What are the legal and ecological stakes? And can New York still lead the way on offshore wind?

Our expert panel dives into the debate.

In studio:

Nathanael Greene, director of renewable energy policy, NRDC
Julie Tighe, President, New York League of Conservation Voters
Alicia Gené Artessa, Director, New York Offshore Wind Alliance