After nearly a decade of public input, studies and review, we are on the brink of realizing the vast economic and environmental benefits of offshore wind off the coast of New England. The federal agency responsible for the final approval is about to conclude its public engagement process for Vineyard Wind 1, a 800-megawatt project proposed to be located 15 miles off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard. The outcome of their review will likely determine the future of offshore wind. Much is at stake. A recent study showed that offshore wind development along the Atlantic Coast is estimated to result in $57 billion of direct investment, 83,000 well-paying jobs by 2030, $25 billion in annual economic output, and cost competitive power for retail customers. The environmental benefits are equally impactful as offshore wind would be the backbone of a zero-carbon emission electric grid critical to fighting climate change.
July 27 is the last day to tell the federal government why offshore wind is important to you. Add your voice to the many neighbors, businesses, activists and scientists who have already shared their reasons for renewables. It only takes a few minutes to file a comment. Do it for the planet. Do it for jobs. Do it for the next generation. Act now. Learn more about how to comment here. https://renewne.org/oswsupport/.
Sincerely,
Francis Pullaro
Francis Pullaro is the executive director of RENEW Northeast, a non-profit association uniting environmental advocates and the renewable energy industry with the goal of increasing environmentally sustainable energy generation in New England and New York using the region’s abundant, indigenous renewable resources.