WASHINGTON, D.C. — Responsible development of U.S. offshore wind power will be vital for the transition to a clean energy economy, creating jobs and ensuring a healthy future for people and wildlife alike. In a critical milestone for President Biden's climate agenda, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management issued a final environmental review of the Vineyard Wind project. If approved, the 800-megawatt project off the coast of Massachusetts will be the first large-scale offshore wind facility in the United States, providing enough electricity to power 400,000 homes.

“Offshore wind energy is a game-changer for our transition to a clean energy economy,” said Catherine Bowes, offshore wind program director at the National Wildlife Federation. “We look forward to reviewing the environmental impact statement for this historic project and continuing to work with the Biden Administration, industry leaders, and our partners to ensure that all offshore wind projects protect wildlife every step of the way while investing in jobs and clean energy that benefit local communities. America’s pursuit of this critical climate solution must be guided by robust stakeholder input and scientific integrity throughout the process in order to protect and benefit people and wildlife alike.”

In May of 2018, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts selected Vineyard Wind to be its first commercial offshore wind project — marking the first round of development to fulfill the state’s 1,600 megawatt offshore wind commitment signed into law in 2016 and doubled to 3,200 megawatts later in 2018. The proposed project helps put the region on track to replace retiring nuclear and coal-fired power plants with the clean, local, inexhaustible power available and abundant far offshore.

Click here for more information on the National Wildlife Federation’s work to advance responsibly developed offshore wind power in the Atlantic.