Connecticut Environmental Organizations and Local Leaders Celebrate New England’s Tri-State Offshore Wind Bid Day

Supporters Gathered for Coffee, Remarks as Tri-State Bids Roll In

March 27, 2024

NEW LONDON, CT.-- Today, project bids for offshore wind development in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island were due to the state's three respective energy and environmental agencies. The proposal submissions mark a significant milestone in the states' efforts to decarbonize the region, reduce dangerous emissions, and bolster clean, renewable offshore wind across the North Atlantic coast.

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 processfor 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.

Local Connecticut environmental groups, government leaders, and students gathered this morning at Muddy Waters Cafe to celebrate the incoming bids. Over 15 of the climate groups have also signed a letter of supportfor offshore wind addressed to Governor Ned Lamont. Labor groups, Connecticut League of Conservation Voters, and The Nature Conservancyhave also submitted support letters.

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.

"The historic Port of New London is proud to be making history once again as our State and country embark on a green energy future," said New London Mayor Michael Passero."The city and its port is well positioned to support the build out of commercial offshore wind power installations off the coast of New England. Having just celebrated the completion of the country's first commercial scale project, Southfork Wind, now connected to the grid, New London looks forward to the start of Revolution Wind this Spring followed by Sunrise Wind. The city anxiously anticipates the next milestone as Connecticut, RI and MA accept bids to invest in another 6,000 MWs of offshore wind."

"Residents across the state, local agencies, and decision-makers agree; offshore wind is key to unlocking Connecticut's clean energy future," said Samantha Dynowski, Sierra Club Connecticut Chapter Director. "Offshore wind has immense potential to spur economic development, create local jobs, improve grid reliability, and cut pollution from gas power that threatens our state's health and safety. We look forward to the project selection announcements and the many short and long-term benefits for Connecticut families and businesses."

"As the largest single potential source of clean renewable energy in the Northeast, offshore wind is essential to meeting Connecticut's commitment to substantially reducing greenhouse gas emissions and securing 100% zero-carbon energy by 2040," said Charles Rothenberger, Climate and Energy Attorney for Save the Sound. "As the staging port for the nation's first commercial scale offshore wind project, and with work about to get underway for Connecticut's Revolution Wind project, New London stands at the forefront of the region's clean energy transition. We hope to see robust proposals for additional offshore wind resources and urge CT DEEP to secure the full 2,000 MW to keep Connecticut a leader on renewable energy."

"Offshore wind is crucial to our ability to address the climate crisis, particularly here in New England where wind resources are abundant and where wind can make a big difference in power reliability, especially in the most critical time, winter," said Nathan Frohling, Director of External Affairs for The Nature Conservancy of CT. "It also makes economic sense," he added, referring to a letter he sent to Governor Lamont on that subject: Letter to Governor.

"In this pivotal moment for New England's renewable energy landscape, the tri-state offshore wind procurement marks a historic step towards a cleaner, more sustainable future," stated Mike Urgo, CTLCV President."Harnessing our region's abundant offshore wind resources not only drives economic growth but also underscores our commitment to combating climate change and safeguarding our communities for generations to come."

"Connecticut needs offshore wind to meet our state's climate goals," said Aziz Dehkan, Executive Director of the Connecticut Roundtable on Climate and Jobs. "We are committed to seeing the industry established in Connecticut with benefits for construction workers, supply chain companies, and project host communities in Connecticut and throughout the region. We look forward to seeing the results of this procurement and the economic opportunity it will bring."

About the Sierra Club

The Sierra Club is America's largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.