Offshore wind is now one big step closer

Media Contacts
Ben Hellerstein

Former State Director, Environment Massachusetts

Environment Massachusetts Research & Policy Center

Boston – Vineyard Wind will develop the first offshore wind farm off the coast of Massachusetts, state officials announced today.

Ben Hellerstein, State Director for the Environment Massachusetts Research & Policy Center, issued the following statement:

“Generations of Bay Staters have known the tremendous power of the winds off our shores. Today, we’re one big step closer to turning that wind into clean, local, limitless energy.

“Vineyard Wind’s 800-megawatt project represents just a small fraction of Massachusetts’ offshore wind potential. In the months ahead, state officials should do everything they can to facilitate the responsible development of the Vineyard Wind project, while expanding the state’s commitment to offshore wind.

“We offer our congratulations to the Baker administration and the project developers for achieving this major milestone.”

A recent report from the Environment Massachusetts Research & Policy Center, Wind Power to Spare, shows that Massachusetts’ offshore wind potential is equivalent to more than 19 times the state’s annual electricity consumption.

In August 2016, Governor Charlie Baker signed legislation committing Massachusetts to purchase 1,600 megawatts of offshore wind by 2027, equivalent to approximately 10-15 percent of Massachusetts’ electricity consumption on an annual basis. Since then, New York has adopted a 2,400-megawatt offshore wind target, and New Jersey has committed to develop 3,500 megawatts of offshore wind by 2030.

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The Environment Massachusetts Research & Policy Center is dedicated to protecting Massachusetts’ air, water and open spaces. We investigate problems, craft solutions, educate the public and decision-makers, and help Bay Staters make their voices heard in local, state and national debates over the quality of our environment and our lives.