Statement: Momentum continues for offshore wind as East Coast’s Vineyard Wind South project gets federal review

Federal government is charging forward on offshore wind goal

Environment America Research & Policy Center

WASHINGTON — The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) announced Monday that it will begin an environmental review of a potential offshore wind project off the coasts of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The proposed project, Vineyard Wind South, would generate over 2,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity. 

This offshore wind project is a part of the Biden administration’s commitment to developing 30 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind by 2030. The first phase of the proposed project would help Connecticut reach its mandate of 2,000 MW of offshore wind energy by 2030 through a power purchase agreement between Vineyard Wind and the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority. 

The public comment period for the proposed project will be open through July 30, 2021. 

In response, Bronte Payne, Environment America Research & Policy Center campaign director, released the following statement: 

“For too long, offshore wind has  been an untapped tool just off our coasts poised to deliver large amounts of renewable electricity. But the metaphorical winds are now blowing in the right direction. This announcement comes right on the heels of a similar decision by BOEM to begin an environmental review on Empire Wind. Offshore wind in the U.S. has real momentum, and we look forward to seeing more projects go through this review in the near future.”