The American Clean Power Association (ACP) has described New York Governor Kathy Hochul (pictured) vetoing the Planned Offshore Wind Transmission Act as a "significant blow" to the state's renewable energy goals. 

The Act requires the New York state energy and research development authority to establish a plan for improved transmission planning and coordinating systems for an offshore grid.

It also requires the authority conduct a benefit-cost-analysis and ratepayer impact study to determine the overall costs of implementing planned transmission and coordinated systems for an offshore grid. 

New York State has set a target of 9GW of offshore wind by 2035.

ACP director of eastern region state affairs Moira Cyphers said: "Governor Hochul must get serious about reaching 70% clean energy by 2030.

"Today, she dealt a significant blow to the state’s own goals by vetoing legislation that would allow a local government to negotiate for itself in seeking the delivery of clean, affordable power generated by offshore wind.

"New York is coming dangerously close to serving a death knell for the promise of offshore wind development in the region. We urge Governor Hochul to support this critical industry and the thousands of jobs it will create with real action.

"She must put New York back on track to developing these critical clean energy projects and living up to the state’s promise of being a clean energy leader."