Cement our leadership as a hub for offshore wind and ensure that we are shaping an equitable and responsible industry

Our region is facing a turning point. Over the next decade, between one-sixth and one-third of New England’s nuclear, coal, and oil-fired power plants will close. We have the opportunity to fill this gap with reliable, clean offshore wind power. We have enough wind off our coasts to power our grid ten times over – the most in the nation – and that wind is strongest and most consistent at times of peak energy demand. This local, clean resource can replace dirty fossil fuel power plants, resulting in improved air quality and health, particularly in overburdened environmental justice communities.

New England has a high energy demand near the coast, abundant wind resources, and shallow waters that are perfect for turbines. This trifecta makes growing our offshore wind industry the greatest single lever New England can pull to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, meet our energy needs, and grow the economy simultaneously, all while providing thousands of local jobs, protecting electricity ratepayers, and improving public health by reducing pollution. It is essential that offshore wind is developed in a timely and responsible manner to protect our environment and our communities. We are working to ensure the Commonwealth requires diversity and inclusion plans for each offshore wind project, opening the door for minority participation in this fast-growing industry.

2021-2022 Priority Bills

An Act to Promote Offshore Wind Energy and Renewables (H3302/S2155) – Rep. Dylan Fernandes and Senator Julian Cyr

  • Authorizes additional offshore wind procurements
  • Requires that all projects avoid, minimize and mitigate environmental impacts and requires funding for ongoing monitoring
  • Promotes minority economic participation by requiring developers to include Diversity & Inclusion plans in their projects with regular reporting of results
  • Adds funding for research and workforce development
  • Establishes transparency and disclosure on workforce plans and past practices
  • Encourages private, institutional, and municipal procurements

In 2020, ELM founded the New England for Offshore Wind Coalition to support the timely and responsible development of this game-changing renewable energy resource.

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