The United State’s first offshore wind turbines placed off of Block Island, RI
A tiny island off the smallest state in the United States has become the nations biggest leader for offshore wind. Block Island, RI residents will see 5 new offshore wind turbines begin to generate electricity next month as the first commercial offshore wind farm in the United States comes online. Massachusetts has the chance to follow in Block Island’s footsteps, but to do so we need your help.
A legislative victory this summer makes Massachusetts the first state to require offshore wind development. Governor Baker signed this historic energy bill, committing the state to 1,600 megawatts of offshore wind energy by 2027. This overshadows Block Island’s 30 megawatt wind farm. While those turbines will power 17,000 homes, Massachusetts’s commitment will power 240,000 homes.
Offshore wind energy has the obvious benefit of reducing dependence on fossil fuels and combating climate change. This is imperative as climate change is not a future threat; already the United States has its first “climate refugees.” But offshore wind also has more immediate social and health benefits associated with air pollution reduction. Power plants are disproportionately placed in poor, communities of color and are linked to severe health threats of asthma, respiratory diseases, and cancer. One study concluded almost 60% of annual deaths from respiratory disease nationally can be attributed to just 88 coal-fired power plants. Since race, more than income, influences the placement of coal power plants, communities of color breathe 40% more polluted air. Wind energy does not release the particulate matter, mercury, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxide that contribute to these diseases, offering clean energy and clean air to Massachusetts residents while alleviating environmental injustices.
Developing offshore wind is especially important now as the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant will be taken offline by May 2019. This power plant has been an important part of Massachusetts’s electrical grid. If we are to keep it from being replaced with natural gas generation, it is critical that we install the infrastructure for offshore wind energy as quickly as possible.
There is still much work to be done to meet the goals of the new energy bill. As Massachusetts residents there are steps we can take to support offshore wind. Even with the environment and community health benefits, implementing this legislation will be an uphill battle.
Let us ensure that we follow Block Island’s example and put Massachusetts on course to be a national leader in offshore wind development. Here are three ways to support offshore wind:
- Opt into 100% wind energy
As Massachusetts residents we can choose to supply out household electricity entirely with wind energy. Committing to the New England Wind program guarantees that 100% of our electricity is generated by New England wind turbines. Opting into this program adds 3.8cents/kWh to your electric bill but the added rate is 100% federally tax-deductible. This adds about $20 per month to your bill or about 74 cents per day. This decision increases the demand for wind energy, which encourages the addition of more wind energy to the power grid. This increases the demand for all types of wind energy, so we must also support offshore wind projects specifically.
- Support Bay State Wind
We must show our support for newly proposed offshore wind projects, such as Bay State Wind. By actively participating in community discussions, you can make your voice heard and demonstrate your support. Remember, the signed energy bill excludes the Cape Wind Project in the Nantucket Sound because of a stipulation that turbines must be placed at least 10 miles offshore. Offshore wind companies are currently surveying sites further offshore and incorporating input from the fishing industry to find the best locations for turbines. Right now, Bay State Wind favors 15 miles south of Martha’s Vineyard in the open ocean, which will be barely visible on clear days. Attend energy forums in your community to voice your support.
- Join MassPower Forward
Mass Power Forward is a coalition of more than 140 environmental advocate groups dedicated to advancing statewide energy policies that support renewable energy. It organizes statehouse rallies, letter writing campaigns, and energy policy forums in communities statewide. “Join the fight” by endorsing the campaign and signing up for their email list so you can stayed informed about current energy legislation and local energy actions.
Just caring about environmental issues isn’t enough. We must act and act now to ensure that the offshore wind turbines promised in the recent legislative victory become a reality. We are not Don Quixote so let’s support, not attack, our wind turbines.