Sierra Club, alongside other groups, local leaders and students, celebrated the occasion and the climate and economic benefits at a gathering in New London. We were joined by New London Mayor Mike Passero and Ulysses Hammond, Executive Director of the Connecticut Port Authority. Over 15 of the groups also signed a letter of support for offshore wind addressed to Governor Ned Lamont.

 

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Rhode Island Energy, and Massachusetts’ Department of Energy Resources (DOER) first announced the tri-state procurement process for future state-crossing offshore wind farms last fall. Together, the three states’ solicitations are for up to 6,000 MW of offshore wind power. The selection of individual projects will depend on cost/benefit assessments and other evaluation criteria developed and conducted by the states. The state offices will announce selected projects on August 7, with contracts set to be executed by October 9.

 

New England is home to some of the nation’s best offshore wind resources, giving the region a unique advantage in reaping clean energy’s economic and climate benefits. According to a recent Climate Nexus poll, two-thirds of U.S. coastal county residents support offshore wind development. 

 

Offshore wind is a critically needed part of Connecticut’s efforts to decarbonize, reduce dangerous emissions, and bolster clean, renewable resources to protect current and future Connecticut residents from the worst impacts of climate change. 

 

Show your support for offshore wind as a part of Connecticut’s clean energy future by sending a message to Governor Lamont.

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Samantha Dynowski is State Director of Sierra Club Connecticut.