Obama Administration Sets Major Milestone for Offshore Wind in America

Environment America

Washington, D.C. — Offshore wind companies will bid today in the first competitive auction in America for areas to develop offshore wind energy. The two areas being auctioned are about 10 miles off the coast of Rhode Island and Massachusetts. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the two areas could generate enough wind energy to power more than 1 million homes.

Environment America’s Federal Clean Energy Advocate, Courtney Abrams, released the following statement in response:

“There is tremendous potential up and down our coasts for producing clean, pollution-free offshore wind energy. With the Obama administration’s leadership, we are hitting a major milestone today in making this vision a reality.

“Responsibly harnessing the power of the wind blowing off our coasts is critical for cutting pollution, and repowering America with clean, renewable energy. We are thrilled with this progress and look forward to continued action from the Obama administration so all Americans can start reaping the benefits of offshore wind power.”