Wainscott, NY - New York State plans to fight climate change with its first major offshore wind farms that will transmit clean energy to 70,000 homes.

The South Fork wind farm is the first of five wind farms being built 35 miles east of Montauk. The US' first offshore wind farm in Rhode Island only has five turbines, but traditional trades have retooled their skills to work on the new green-energy infrastructure. Components for the new wind farms are being built in Rhode Island by Orsted Americas and Eversource. The aim is to produce all of New York's electricity with zero emissions by 2040, with wind farms powering 2.5 million homes within five years.

Citizen groups are working to dispel misinformation and stress that offshore wind is a proven, safe and affordable alternative to fossil fuels, but public input continues to be solicited for future sites. New York's back yard - its ocean waters - is poised to become the nation's hub for offshore wind, with more projects planned in New York than any other state.

Source: cbsnews.com