Climate Jobs NY Update: Further Moves on Climate and Jobs from the Biden Administration

The Biden administration has tapped New York's Amanda Lefton to serve as the new Director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM). Lefton previously served as the First Secretary for Energy and the Environment under Governor Cuomo, and in addition to her subject-matter expertise she brings a deep understanding of offshore wind's economic development potential in New York and the region.

BOEM is part of the Department of Interior and manages offshore wind renewable energy development and other energy sources. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 gives BOEM the authority to provide leases, easements, and rights of way for renewable energy projects on the outer continental shelf and therefore will play a critical role in the development of offshore wind.

“Offshore wind has the potential to help our nation combat climate change, improve resilience through reliable power, and spur economic development to create good-paying jobs,” said Director Lefton during yesterday’s announcement that BOEM’s intends to resume the environmental review of Vineyard Wind’s proposed offshore wind project in Massachusetts. The project had previously been stalled.

Lefton's appointment follows earlier high-profile appointments positioned to drive climate action that creates good union jobs, including Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, White House National Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy, and Deputy White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi.