Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Deepwater Wind's Block Island Wind Farm a Win for People and Wildlife

"Providing pollution-free energy, keeping energy dollars local, and creating hundreds of new jobs."
07-27-2015 // Miles Grant
 
Deepwater Wind put steel in the water on its Block Island Wind Farm on Sunday, installing the first of five 1,500-ton foundations off Rhode Island’s coast.
"Rhode Island is leading America toward a clean energy future with the construction of this project. The Block Island Wind Farm will provide pollution-free energy, keep energy dollars local, and create hundreds of new jobs - all while ensuring treasured wildlife like endangered Right Whales are protected," said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation, pictured at right on today's tour of the Block Island Wind Farm with Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Director Abigail Hopper and Interior Secretary Sally Jewell. "This is a great example of how offshore wind power can be a win for both people and wildlife. Now is the time for bold commitments from state leaders up and down the east coast to ensure this transformational resource plays a major role in our energy future."
The National Wildlife Federation is part of a coalition of conservation groups that has negotiated landmark agreements to protect right whales in offshore wind construction areas.