For too long, America has ignored an immense clean energy source sitting right off our shores.

We’ve chosen to remain dependant on fossil fuels that cause dangerous air and water pollution, threaten our national security, and place future generations of people and wildlife in jeopardy from climate change. And we’ve overlooked a golden economic development opportunity that can create thousands of high-quality jobs while revitalizing our maritime industrial heritage all along the Atlantic Coast.

Today, we are one step closer to change. Secretary Salazar just announced that the Obama Administration has hit the accelerator in developing our offshore wind energy resources off the Mid-Atlantic coast. NWF applauds this decision (NWF & VCN statement of support) to responsibly expedite the permitting process for offshore wind projects, recognizing the important role that offshore wind must play in securing a clean energy future for America. We believe developing offshore wind energy is critical for protecting wildlife from the dangers of climate change when designed and constructed in an environmentally responsible manner.  It is possible to protect our coastal and marine wildlife in the pursuit of offshore wind energy, and today’s announcement sets the stage for both.

What does today’s announcement mean?

Because of this important decision, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) can now move forward with the leasing process for offshore wind projects off the coast of New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia. With strong environmental conditions, developers will now be able to begin site assessment activities on their reserved blocks of ocean in order to collect the data necessary to design construction and operations plans for their projects. A comprehensive environmental review, including an Environmental Impact Statement, will be required at that point to ensure that the proposed projects are safe for people and wildlife. NWF believes this approach will allow for an efficient permitting timeline for this critical clean energy source without sacrificing environmental review.

 When will offshore wind energy leases be issued?

There is so much interest by the offshore wind industry in developing projects off the Mid-Atlantic that BOEM will have to grant leases through a competitive auction process. The auction logisitics are still being finalized, although NWF and our allies are calling for a swift, efficient process (see BOEM Auction Signon Letter) that gets leases into responsible developers’ hands as quickly as possible. We expect as many as 10 leases to be granted across these 4 states in the Mid-Atlantic region by the end of 2012.

 Offshore wind energy – a wildlife-friendly energy solution

National Wildlife Federation applauds the Obama Administration for hitting the accelerator in the pursuit of offshore wind energy for America. By expediting the permitting process for responsible offshore wind energy without sacrificing critical environmental review, America is one step closer to harnessing the massive economic and environmental benefits that will come from tapping this immense domestic clean energy source.

But this is just beginning! The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has estimated that well over 200 GW of wind energy potential is available in the Atlantic Ocean using current technology, as much as is generated each year by nearly 200 average coal-fired power plants. And the Department of Energy has set a goal of developing 54 GW of offshore wind generation by 2030. Launching a robust offshore wind industry in the U.S. has the potential to create thousands of high quality jobs while producing clean, domestic energy that does not produce harmful pollution.

There is much more work ahead to ensure that America does not continue to leave this enormous clean energy opportunity on the table, but today’s announcement is a critical step forward.

Photo by Phil Hollman

Today, Department of the Interior Secretary Ken Salazar joined Governor Lincoln Chafee and Rhode Island’s Congressional delegation for a press conference to announce a key step forward in the process to develop offshore wind energy in New England.

There are significant wind energy resources in the federal waters off the coasts of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and today’s announcement means that we are one step closer to bringing that clean, job-producing energy ashore.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation, and Enforcement (BOEMRE), the agency tasked with managing the permitting process for offshore wind energy, will now formally collect information from developers interested in the area as well as information about environmental and other issues needed to prepare an Environmental Assessment. Once these steps are complete, BOEMRE will move forward and begin issuing leases for site assessment activities off of Rhode Island and Massachusetts, which Secretary Salazar today said will happen in 2012.

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, U.S. Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse and Jack Reed, U.S. Rep. David N. Cicilline and Governor Chafee. Photo credit: Providence Journal

National Wildlife Federation is thrilled to see this continued commitment by the Obama Administration to pursue offshore wind energy in an efficient and environmentally responsible manner.

And it can’t come soon enough. There are over 1,000 offshore wind turbines creating jobs and clean energy overseas and the U.S. is behind – way behind – in taking similar advantage of our offshore wind resources.

Today’s announcement builds on progress also happening in the Mid-Atlantic region. A draft Environmental Assessment has already been prepared for specific areas in federal waters off of New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia, where offshore wind leases are also expected to be issued early next year. NWF was joined by over 11,000 of our activists in voicing strong support for moving forward with offshore wind development in these areas in a way that is protective of our coastal and marine resources.

Offshore wind holds great potential to create jobs, cut pollution, and reduce our reliance on dirty fossil fuels. This is a win-win for our economy and our environment, and it is exciting to see America move closer to tapping the massive domestic energy source sitting right off our shores.

America’s offshore wind resources are immense

NWF has joined over 120 organizations in calling on the Obama Administration (Letter to Obama 3.7.11, Loan Guarantee Letter 6.10.11) and Congressional leaders to take positive steps forward to advance offshore wind development in a manner that is protective of our coastal and marine resources. Providing financial incentives such as an investment tax credit is a critical way to support this emerging industry that has the potential to create thousands of jobs while helping revitalize America’s manufacturing and maritime industries.

The Incentivizing Offshore Wind Energy Act is an example of exactly the kind of policies we need at this moment in time. Efforts are also underway in the House of Representatives to promote offshore wind, however two recently introduced bills – the Cutting Federal Red Tape to Facilitate Renewable Energy Act (H.R. 2170) and the Advancing Offshore Wind Production Act (H.R. 2173) – completely miss the mark (NWF letter – HR 2170 and 2173). The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation, and Enforcement has recently taken significant steps to improve the permitting process for offshore wind, shortening the timeline and reducing costs for developers while still ensuring sufficient environmental review.  Unlike the bipartisan bill introduced today in the Senate, the House bills actually would slow down offshore wind development while failing to address the primary obstacle facing the offshore wind industry.

NWF is pleased to see interest by both Houses of Congress in offshore wind development, but encourages our Congressional leaders to focus their attention on polices that can generate the critically needed financial investments to truly grow this new industry.  NWF applauds Senators Carper and Snowe, and cosponsors Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Susan Collins (R-ME), Chris Coons (D-DE), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Sherrod Brown (D-OH), for their much-needed leadership to advance offshore wind energy.

With great potential to reduce harmful pollution, create thousands of high-quality jobs, and help achieve energy independence, offshore wind energy is a wise investment in America’s future.

And it’s no wonder – if we are to confront the twin challenges of climate change and energy independence, we must start tapping the immense energy source available right off the Atlantic coast: offshore wind.

In December, when NWF released a report highlighting the massive energy generation and job creation potential of Atlantic offshore wind, 40 organizations signed on as cosponsors in our call to action. Today, over 120 organizations have united in a clear message to President Obama:  it’s time to get moving on appropriately-sited offshore wind. Among the groups were 13 of NWF’s state affiliate organizations, highlighting the importance of pursuing offshore wind as part of a strategy to protect wildlife from the many adverse impacts of our fossil fuel-based energy system.

In December, 2010, NWF released "Offshore Wind in the Atlantic" along with environmental, conservation, labor, industry, and veteran representatives.

Specifically, the letter calls on the Administration to:

• identify high priority areas for offshore wind development;
• establish a clear and rational process for permitting offshore wind facilities; and
• create standards to protect the Atlantic Ocean’s marine and coastal ecosystems, including avoiding siting in important ecological areas and mitigating habitat impacts.

The letter underscores the notion that by pursuing areas for development that avoid conflicts, we can ensure that wind development in the Atlantic moves forward quickly and efficiently from the start.
 
Another recent example of growing public support for offshore wind can be found in Maryland, where last week supporters packed a General Assembly hearing room to testify on a state bill that seeks to advance offshore wind in Maryland. NWF joined a diverse set of stakeholders in voicing support for the bill, including representatives from United Steelworkers, Building Trades Union, public health groups, and conservation organizations. Marylanders clearly see the many benefits of developing their offshore wind resources, including the significant job creation opportunity.

Appropriately-sited offshore wind can help power our homes, businesses, and vehicles with locally-produced clean energy. Our state and federal leaders must join forces to develop this important clean energy source in a manner that protects our treasured marine wildlife resources.

As the letter to President Obama states, “For the sake of our environment and the hope of building a truly clean energy economy in America, we must see numerous wind farms spinning off our shores within the next few years – and we need your help to make that vision a reality.”

And certainly there was plenty to take in. Our crew managed to build snowmen on many busy street corners of Manchester, including the big one pictured here in front of the Radisson where most of the media is headquartered. It was the perfect magnet, sparking conversations with countless reporters and passersby. The posted pictures will hopefully give you flavor of all the craziness here in Manchester!

Eric was reminiscing about his time on Elm Street in the 60s, when  the 60s were “cool”. Eric grew up in Londonderry, not 10 miles from here. He remembers when he first got his license and cruised Elm Street to be cool – not at all like today where temperatures flirted with the 60s and melting snowmen lined the street (thanks to us, of course!)

Back in the 60s Elm Street was cool in January, but today temperature records were expected to be broken all across the state. And it is not just the temperatures heating up the streets of New Hampshire, this state is red hot with talk of politics and heated debates over what kind of leader this country needs.

You can feel the intensity increasing as the workday ends and more New Hampshire voters head to the polls and out to the streets to join the ranks of campaign supporters that are wildly cheering for their favorite. In just a few hours we’ll see who wins over the guy pictured here – with perhaps the most relevant sign on the street today!

It is getting increasingly interesting to see just what the candidates will do to secure every last vote. I just left a very energetic crowd at the Elks Lodge in Dover, where John Edwards spoke for about a half hour. The crowd remained excited after waiting nearly 2 hours for the guest of honor to speak – but we were not bored. The Edwards campaign has quite an entourage, and we were treated to speeches by none other than actors James Denton (from Desperate Housewives – I confess I didn’t know who he was either ; ) and Tim Robbins (I knew him!). Susan Sarandon was also there for good measure, but unfortunately she didn’t speak.

When Edwards took the stage, the crowd was raging. He clearly has a solid, loyal following here in New Hampshire. I found myself next to an undecided voter who had recently started to lean heavily toward Obama. After hearing Edwards’ passionate words, specifically how he will take back the country for the middle class and kick the special interests out of Washington, it looks like he has won her vote. Amazing what a great speech and a couple celebrities will do!

Despite the multitude of “Friends of the Earth Action Support Edwards” signs around the hall in the hands of children (and of course my “Stop Global Warming” sign), Edwards never mentioned climate change or the environment in his speech.

Earlier today, Eric Orff attended a Romney event in Salem where about 350 people gathered in another NH Elks Lodge to hear how former MA Governor will “change Washington”. Apparently that is the theme of Romney’s stump speeches these days, and it appears that all the candidates – from both parties – are offering change. Given the state of affairs in the country these days, that seems a good thing. The promise of change is far and away the loudest message NH voters are hearing, but the difference seems to be how, or if, each candidate can actually effect change.

Romney actually spoke about energy independence in his speech, but surprisingly John McCain – the most outspoken advocate for action on global warming on the Republican side – did not. I attended a brief rally in Exeter on the steps of the town hall this afternoon – and the message was all about the war on terror. McCain was running really late (another consistent theme of the day!) and again I found myself waiting for the candidate to arrive among a – mostly – patient crowd. While chatting with those around me, I think I uncovered the truly bizarre NH voter we all hear about. Standing next to me was a middle-aged undecided man, and I asked him who he was leaning toward – and why. He said quite confidently, “I’m probably going to vote for Romney, but I’m considering Obama.” Yes, you read that correctly. So naturally I asked “what are you looking for in a candidate, because those two are pretty different!” He said “they are both brilliant, and I am tired of having a President who can’t put a sentence together that makes any sense at all.” So there you have it.

Tomorrow, the voters of NH will tell the rest of the country who they think should be President. And who knows if it will be issues, smarts, hamburgers, or celebrities that influences their decisions. Time will tell, and there’s not much time left! Candidates are attending events well into the evening tonight (I think Edwards’ last event starts at midnight) so they are using every last second they have to convince people that they should be the next President.

On to tomorrow…

I just left a crowded Hillary rally in Dover, where about 500 people filled a community center (apparently over a hundred people were shut out, as is happening at both Clinton and Obama events across the state). Boy did Hillary come out swinging! She clearly understands that Obama is gaining momentum here, having already bypassed her in local polls by a sizable margin. She railed against his record on change, talked about the importance of experience in this unstable world, and again used the term “false hope” to undermine his message. This drew lots of cheers from the older voters in the audience, but clearly turned off the youth who were already thin in numbers to begin with. This was a stark contrast to the Obama events I have attended, and more and more it appears that the younger vote is going to make a significant difference in this election. If they actually show up to vote tomorrow, that is. It is supposed to be 50 degrees, though, so all voters are going to have to wade through what is sure to be a deluge of melting snow!!

The Republicans are also doing their part to persuade undecided voters. Eric Orff (pictured here!) attended a lunch in Concord with Huckabee and Chuck Norris – or “Chuckabee” as the NHites are fondly calling the pair – where they were providing free “Huckaburgers” to attendees (hmmm – Chuckaburgers?!). According to a very colorful cell message report, when Eric told the Governor that he was an Independent, undecided voter, Huckabee practically “sat on his lap and served him a burger personally!!”

The candidates on both sides are clearly using every trick in the book – from free food to all out attacks on their opponents – to win over NH voters. With just one day to go, who knows what they’ll pull out of their hats!

On to events for Romney, McCain, and Edwards – at least – this afternoon…

The intensity of the presidential campaign in New Hampshire has definitely gone up several notches! For the last 2 days my colleagues and I have been traveling around the state – attending candidate events, talking to voters and press, etc – and the energy on all sides is astounding. One thing is for sure, there are still a TON of undecided voters out there and over the next 2 days the people of New Hampshire will continue to grapple with their decision.

The Iowa Caucus clearly caught many of the candidates’ supporters by surprise, and while the winners are working hard to ride the wave of momentum, the others are tirelessly attempting to create a very different outcome here in New Hampshire.

My colleague Eric Orff attended Hillary’s “welcome back to New Hampshire” event very early on Friday morning, and the energy in the large hanger was vibrant, positive, and enthusiastic – clearly there are droves of Hillary supporters desperately hoping that what “happened in Iowa will stay in Iowa.”

Throughout the weekend, large, energized have gathered to see Obama, Clinton, McCain and Edwards. Giuliani and Richardson have not been so fortunate, at least from the handful of events we were able to attend (not a scientific analysis by any means!). We plan to get to see many more candidates before Tuesday, so I’ll report more when I can.

This morning I went to an Obama rally at a high school in Exeter, and the excitement is palpable. Both the candidate and his supporters can taste victory, you can feel it. In addition to his other key issues (war, health care, education), Obama spoke eloquently and passionately about his intention to take on the oil companies and the need for clean energy development in this country. This drew big cheers from the crowd, especially when he talked about the potential for job creation through a new green economy.

Of all the events we have attended thus far, without a doubt the most inspiring for me was a rally we organized outside the Manchester debate last night. Well over 100 people donned global warming shirts, signs, buttons, and costumes (I’m not kidding, there were 2 polar bears, a snowman, Santa, and even a CFL lightbulb!!) and rallied outside the debate site. We outnumbered all the campaigns! People of all ages (including a bus of 30 that came up from New Bedford, MA to join us) cheered and chanted various “STOP GLOBAL WARMING” messages in front of the circus of media and campaign staff that filtered by. Cool stuff. Maybe New Hampshire Public Radio was onto something today when they called energy policy one of the “hip issues of this year’s primary”!!

After the rally, we all gathered in a bar in Manchester to watch the debate and our crowd multiplied to over 200. The room erupted into cheers when McCain brought up global warming (of course that was quickly silenced when he mentioned nuclear), and of course again when Al Gore got his shoutout during the Democrats debate. Clearly this issue is on many voters’ minds in New Hampshire, and fact that it is consistently among the important issues each “would be” President mentions is encouraging.

My apologies for this lengthy post, but it is amazing just how much happens in one day in New Hampshire right now! Over the next 2 days, my colleagues and I will attempt to provide a snapshot of all the craziness thru this blog. One thing is clear to me – the voters of New Hampshire are still making up their minds, and may well remain undecided right up until they pull the levers.

Exciting stuff! Stay tuned.