Location: Long Island, NY

SPR represents Equinor Wind US in the local and state permitting and development, and aspects of federal permitting, for the Empire Wind 1 and the Empire Wind 2 offshore wind projects that will supply New York State with over 2 gigawatts of renewable energy, power 1 million homes, and provide billions of dollars of economic benefits to the State. The projects also are expected to provide tens of millions of dollars in investments in long-term port facilities, related infrastructure, and new technologies. Together, these offshore wind projects will help the State meet the renewable energy and offshore wind capacity mandates set forth in NY’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, diversify NY’s energy portfolio, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. SPR assisted Equinor acquire various properties that will support its offshore wind projects, and helps navigate the remediation of those properties thorough the Brownfield Cleanup Program. The Firm also advises Equinor on parkland alienation and conversion issues, on the development of an offshore wind port in New York City that will service Equinor’s offshore wind projects and house the onshore substation for the Empire Wind 1 project, on other required local approvals and land rights, on contractor procurement, and on diligence for private finance relating to environmental permitting and litigation risk. SPR assisted Equinor on the development of the Beacon Wind 1 offshore wind project until early 2024, when Equinor transferred its interest in that project to another offshore wind developer.

Location: Jones Beach, NY

SPR successfully defended the construction of the Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center in litigation challenging the environmental review and permitting of the project under SEQRA, NEPA, the federal Land & Water Conservation Fund Act and other state and federal laws, and alleging violation of the public trust doctrine for alienation of state parkland. SPR secured decisions in Nassau County Supreme Court, the Eastern District of New York, and the Second Circuit Court of Appeals dismissing all claims against LIPA and upholding the construction of the Energy & Nature Center.

Location: New York

SPR advises NYSERDA on the various initiatives to facilitate New York State’s offshore wind program. SPR played a significant role in the development of the New York State Offshore Wind Master Plan, the first such plan in the nation, along with its 21 supporting environmental and infrastructure studies. SPR also oversaw the preparation of the environmental review required for the State’s first procurement of Offshore Renewable Energy Credits.