Northeastern Governors Issue Joint Statement Supporting Offshore Wind Development

Albany, New York; December 23rd, 2025

A coordinated regional position on energy policy was set down this week as Kathy Hochul, Maura Healey, Ned Lamont, and Dan McKee released a joint statement affirming continued support for offshore wind development along the Northeast coast.

The statement, issued through the Office of the Governor of New York, reflects a shared position among the four states on the role offshore wind plays in regional energy planning. The governors described offshore wind as a component of long-term efforts to expand domestic energy production, strengthen grid reliability, and support economic activity tied to energy infrastructure.

According to the joint statement, offshore wind development is viewed as both an energy and workforce initiative. The governors cited ongoing and planned projects as sources of employment in construction, manufacturing, port operations, and long-term maintenance, emphasizing that regional coordination is intended to maximize economic benefits across state lines rather than concentrate them in a single jurisdiction.

The statement also addressed the current challenges facing offshore wind projects, acknowledging market pressures and supply chain constraints while reaffirming commitment to collaboration with developers, labor organizations, and federal partners. The governors framed these challenges as conditions to be managed through coordination rather than reasons to abandon investment.

Energy reliability featured prominently in the statement’s rationale. The governors emphasized that offshore wind contributes to a diversified energy portfolio, reducing reliance on single sources and improving resilience during periods of high demand or disruption. The shared coastal geography of the four states was presented as both an opportunity and a responsibility to plan collectively.

Environmental considerations were also referenced, with the governors noting that offshore wind aligns with broader goals to reduce emissions and transition toward cleaner energy sources. The statement did not announce new mandates or regulatory changes, instead reinforcing existing policy direction and signaling continued engagement.

The joint nature of the statement reflects an approach rooted in regional alignment rather than unilateral action. Offshore wind projects, by their scale and location, extend beyond individual state boundaries, and the governors emphasized that effective development depends on cooperation in permitting, infrastructure planning, and workforce development.

Issued as a unified declaration, the statement adds to the public record of interstate collaboration on energy policy in the Northeast. It documents a moment where multiple state executives chose to speak with one voice, underscoring shared priorities while navigating an evolving energy landscape.

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Sources

Primary First-Hand Sources

• OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR OF NEW YORK, joint statement from Governors Kathy Hochul, Maura Healey, Ned Lamont, and Dan McKee on offshore wind development, December 2025