Biden looks to boost offshore wind energy with Mass. project as a model
Biden aims to double offshore wind production by 2030 as part of his administration’s efforts to combat climate change.
A huge wind farm off the Massachusetts coast is edging closer to federal approval, setting up what the Biden administration hopes will be a model for a sharp increase in offshore wind energy development along the East Coast.
The Vineyard Wind project, south of Martha’s Vineyard near Cape Cod, would create 800 megawatts of electricity, enough to power 400,000 homes in New England. If approved, the $2 billion project would be the first utility-scale wind power development in federal waters. A smaller wind farm operates near Block Island in waters controlled by the state of Rhode Island.
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Atlantis Viewpoint
The Vineyard Wind project marks a sharp turnaround from the Trump administration, which stymied wind power both onshore and in the ocean. The draft, which would create 800 megawatts of electricity, will be located at least 1 nautical mile off Cape Cod (Massachusetts), allowing fishing boats easier movement around the blades. However, the environmental impact that it could have on the coast is still being checked. The Interior Department has completed an environmental analysis, with a decision on whether to approve the project expected as soon as next month. If approved, Vineyard Wind is slated to become operational in 2023.
An encouraging change of direction as the project appeared on indefinite pause within the old administration priorities. The first of many offshore wind projects that will help the U.S. combat climate change, redirecting the old dirty energy habits of the country, and also boost economic development to create good-paying jobs. It’s good to see new True Clean Energy projects like these becoming a reality, as this is the only way to provide affordable electricity and move us further into a climate-safe future. An excellent step forward that we hope can be realized as soon as possible.
