On Labor Day, the governors of New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New Jersey issued a joint statement highlighting the role of American workers in the offshore wind industry. The statement was released by Governor Kathy Hochul of New York, Governor Maura Healey of Massachusetts, Governor Ned Lamont of Connecticut, Governor Dan McKee of Rhode Island, and Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey.
The governors noted that more than 5,000 workers are directly involved in building the offshore wind sector in the United States. Many of these workers are union members. The industry also supports manufacturing jobs across 40 states and has attracted billions in private investment. According to the statement, these projects are expected to create tens of thousands more jobs and contribute to revitalizing ports and strengthening supply chains.
The governors called on the Trump Administration to maintain all existing offshore wind permits and allow ongoing projects to proceed. They warned that reversing previously granted permits could undermine job security for American families and reduce investor confidence. “Efforts to walk back these commitments jeopardize hardworking families, wasting years of progress and ceding leadership to foreign competitors,” they said.
They also emphasized the importance of certainty for U.S. markets: “Canceling projects that have already been fully permitted–including some near completion—sends the worrisome message to investors that the work can be stopped on a whim, which could lead them to decide to either not finance different projects or impose higher interest rates that would ultimately place a bigger burden on taxpayers.”
The governors expressed their commitment to ensuring a reliable electric grid supported by a mix of energy sources including renewables like offshore wind as well as nuclear power, natural gas, hydropower, and other technologies. They stated: “Offshore wind and other renewables are central to that effort, but it must be complemented by a diverse mix of resources—including nuclear power, natural gas, hydropower, and other technologies—that together keep our system strong and our energy sources secure.”
In closing their joint message for Labor Day, they reaffirmed support for American workers and unions: “We stand with America’s workers and strongly urge the Trump Administration to keep these projects on track—for our jobs, our families, our competitiveness, our energy security, and our future.”
