An environmental coalition from Connecticut, a state not exactly known for its strong offshore wind resources, has joined a national effort to support policy incentivizing offshore wind, such as an extension of the investment tax credit.
In an open letter to President Obama, the environmental coalition stresses the need for federal leadership to move away from fossil fuels that threaten the environment, public health and national security. It applauds the Obama administration for its efforts over the last year, specifically the actions of U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary Salazar and his department for their ‘Smart from the Start’ initiative, which is intended to speed up development of offshore wind projects.
‘The possibility of offshore wind represents significant amounts of energy that we can capture to reduce pollution and grow the clean energy economy,’ says Emily Grand, a spokesperson from Environment Connecticut. ‘Our letter shows broad agreement among environmental groups and a diversity of other stakeholders in calling on our state and national leaders to act to steadily ramp up the development of offshore wind.’
To date, the DOI's Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has designated wind energy areas off the coast of six Atlantic states: New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
In addition to federal support, the 217 members of the coalition urge the Obama administration to set a bold goal for offshore wind in the Atlantic; ensure that offshore wind projects are sited, constructed and operated responsibly; and provide the DOI and BOEM with sufficient staff and resources.
