The New York Power Authority (NYPA) has selected proposals from two wind power developers for purchases of up to 50 MW of electricity from projects to be built in western New York and the Finger Lakes region. The decision is part of the state’s efforts to promote more environmentally friendly clean power generation, a more diversified mix of electric generating facilities, and decreased dependence on foreign oil. In his 2003 State of the State Address, Gov. George Pataki proposed that New York state establish standards to ensure that at least 25 percent of the electricity purchased in the state by 2013 is generated from renewable resources such as wind power.

According to NYPA, the two projects will involve scores of new construction jobs, with the developers leasing land for the turbine generators in rural areas mostly from local property owners.