Statement: Maryland, North Carolina and Virginia show leadership on offshore wind energy

Media Contacts
Hannah Read

Josh Chetwynd

New tristate partnership will accelerate transition to 100 percent renewable energy

Environment America Research & Policy Center

RICHMOND – In a show of bipartisan support for renewable energy, the governors of Maryland, North Carolina and Virginia announced Thursday that the three states have created a partnership to coordinate the development of offshore wind. The collaboration, known as the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Regional Transformative Partnership for Offshore Wind Energy Resources (SMART-POWER), will develop a leadership team with representatives from each state. The group will work to expand and promote wind energy in these states. 

In response, Environment America Research and Policy Center’s Go Big on Offshore Wind Associate Hannah Read released the following statement:

“This partnership solidly positions America’s Mid-Atlantic coast to step boldly toward a renewable energy future. America’s offshore wind potential is vast, and, with coordinated action, we will be able to tap into it more efficiently and effectively. It’s exciting to see Maryland’s, Virginia’s and North Carolina’s governors reach across the aisle to work together in order to make this happen. Wind energy blowing off our coasts has the capacity to meet America’s energy needs twice over, and the sooner we begin to fully harness that renewable energy source, the better. Now is the time for bold action, and we hope other state leaders follow in the footsteps of these governors and lead the way in creating a clean, climate-friendly future. 

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