As proponents for the fuel seek to establish a commercial domestic market, federal PPAs are seen as key to unlocking private investments.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced two separate projects being developed by Equinor and Ørsted as the first segment of the state's 9,000 MW offshore wind target.

No injuries have been reported, although traffic and infrastructure have been significantly impacted.

The shutdown of the 1,300 MW Rockport Unit 1 would be the largest retirement commitment since Sierra Club launched its Beyond Coal campaign in 2010. 

A committee of 10 Democrats promised to continue studying climate change, holding more hearings and fostering partnerships with governments at all other levels as well as with the private sector.