Two proposed projects in Massachusetts aim to transform what were once centers for dirty energy into starting blocks for our clean energy future. In the process, they could provide a blueprint for reimagining our working waterfronts. Massachusetts’ waterfronts have always played a critical role in the state’s economy, supporting our fishing, shipping, and energy industries,… Continue reading Setting the Stage for Our Clean Energy Future
“The climate crisis is already affecting communities here in Rhode Island,” said CLF staff attorney James Crowley. “We need new offshore wind resources to provide clean, renewable energy, and it’s extremely disappointing that the state’s latest procurement process has not resulted in any new development. Ramping up the development of clean energy is a major response to the crisis we’re facing, and the state needs to get moving.”
“It’s time to go big on offshore wind,” said Caitlin Peale Sloan, Vice President of CLF Massachusetts. “If we’re going to meet the state’s ambitious climate goals, we need to seriously ramp up the development of renewable energy, and responsibly sited offshore wind is crucial. Fossil fuels like natural gas pollute our air and worsen the climate crisis, and this is yet another step towards leaving them in the past where they belong.”
“Expanding offshore wind is a necessity if New England is going to confront the climate crisis with everything we’ve got,” said CLF senior attorney Nick Krakoff. “The Gulf of Maine needs to be part of that strategy, yet it is critical to ensure that wind is developed responsibly. We must limit impacts on the critical species, habitats, and existing ocean users that make the area so special, and CLF will be at the table to make sure that happens.”
Offshore wind can save us money on our energy bills, provide more electricity in cold temperatures, and slow the effects of climate change.
With at least nine new offshore wind farms geared to start spinning in New England by 2028, now is the moment to consider what thoughtful and inclusive offshore wind infrastructure looks like.
“This new law takes some great steps on biomass and offshore wind, but it’s sorely lacking when it comes to environmental justice,” said Staci Rubin, Vice President of Environmental Justice at CLF. “For too long, these communities have been overburdened and overlooked when it comes to air quality, access to transit, and toxic pollution. We need to put a much larger focus on protecting EJ neighborhoods and phasing out fossil fuels once and for all when the legislature reconvenes.”
“Offshore wind is a crucial element of our nation’s strategy to address the climate crisis, but it must be done in a way that protects vital ocean wildlife and habitat,” said Dr. Priscilla Brooks, Director of Ocean Conservation at CLF. “With fewer than 350 critically endangered right whales remaining on earth, every loss is a tragedy. The vessel speed restrictions and adaptive management measures agreed to by South Fork Wind will go a long way toward protecting these whales from being injured or killed by project vessels.”
“It’s simply flawed to choose areas for offshore wind development before doing a full environmental analysis,” said CLF attorney Nick Krakoff. “It is critical to advance the development of offshore wind to respond to the climate crisis and clean up our electric grid, but it must be done responsibly. BOEM must improve its processes and consider the full environmental and socioeconomic impacts of wind development before areas in the Gulf of Maine are chosen.”
“Responsibly sited offshore wind has the power to transform our energy grid and combat the climate crisis,” said CLF President Brad Campbell. “Today’s news is a significant and welcome milestone for Vineyard Wind and the future of all offshore wind in the U.S. As this project and others move forward, they must keep pace with the best available science and technology to ensure that their impacts on critically endangered North Atlantic right whales as well as other vulnerable species and their habitats are appropriately avoided and minimized.”
