North Atlantic Right Whale (flickr/MyFWC Research)

By way of celebration, let’s turn to a shining example. With climate change as a leading threat to wildlife, it is increasingly critical that we transition to clean and renewable energy sources and stop filling our air and water with dangerous pollution. NWF strongly advocates for the development of offshore wind energy projects in America’s waters. There is incredible potential along our Atlantic coastline to generate clean, renewable energy and it is time for us to start investing in this plentiful resource.  Of course, all energy development has some impact on wildlife habitat and our staff is actively working to ensure wildlife are protected as we pursue this critical clean energy source.

How could offshore wind development impact the severely endangered North Atlantic right whale?

With a global population estimated between 350 and 400 individuals, loss of even a single North Atlantic right whale stands to impact the survival of the species. Highly sensitive to underwater sounds, the surveying process typically employed for offshore wind projects could well disorient or disrupt the whales as they migrate through the area of the mid-Atlantic that has been designated for offshore wind development. Straying from their path could send travelling mothers and calves into harm’s way. NWF takes endangered species conservation very seriously, so we rolled up our sleeves and got to work in search of a solution.

Thanet Offshore Wind Farm, England’s southeast coast (flickr/nuon)

This agreement has a lot to say. Yes, it gives those of us concerned with wildlife protection an opportunity to advocate for an energy solution knowing that the wildlife we care about are being protected.  And yes, it confirms that the wind industry can lead a responsible transition away from fossil fuels.  It also says something much bigger: that when we come together and discuss overlapping challenges with a shared goal in mind, something truly sustainable can come out of it—a whole solution, far stronger than the sum of its parts.

With a mission to protect wildlife for our children’s future framing all that we do, responsibly sited offshore wind development is the only kind we will advocate for.  Thanks to bold industry leadership and the immeasurable benefits of innovative collaboration, that will be quite alright.

Speak up for right whales, sea turtles and other endangered wildlife! Tell the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to move forward with efforts to develop offshore wind energy off the Atlantic Coast with strong measures to protect wildlife.

Turbine in the UK’s Sheringham Shoal Wind Farm (flickr/Edward Davey)

Speak Up in Person for Rhode Island Offshore Wind

Rhode Island’s leaders need to hear support for offshore wind energy! If you agree that the Ocean State must rise to the challenge of climate change that threatens our wildlife, coastlines, and communities, please speak up and support this national precedent-setting opportunity to advance a critical new clean energy source for America at one of the following hearings:

Monday, May 6^th // 7:30 PM
Narragansett Town Council Meeting
Narragansett Town Hall, 25 Fifth Avenue, Narragansett, RI 02882
Map

Wednesday, May 8^th // 5:00-8:00 PM
RI Department of Environmental Management Hearing
New Shoreham Town Hall, 16 Old Town Road, Block Island, RI
Map

The Block Island Proposal:

Deepwater Wind of Providence, Rhode Island sees great potential for a wind farm off of Block Island that will generate 30 MW of clean electricity, and will connect the island to the mainland grid for the first time.  The project will be located in an area already identified by Rhode Island’s Ocean Special Area Management Plan as an appropriate site for wind energy development.

The National Wildlife Federation pays especially close attention to ensuring that offshore wind development is pursued in a manner that protects our coastal resources and our marine wildlife.  After careful consideration, NWF and our local affiliate, Environment Council of Rhode Island, have both voiced our support for Deepwater Wind’s permit application currently under consideration by both state and federal permitting agencies.

“Rhode Islanders should be proud of the strong, enduring commitment by its state leaders and federal Congressional delegation to advance solutions to climate change. The Ocean State is not only uniquely vulnerable to climate impacts, it is also uniquely positioned to lead the nation in ushering in a critical new clean energy source for America. Now more than ever, America must get serious about advancing clean energy if we are to protect our communities and wildlife from the dangers of climate change.”

-          Catherine Bowes, NWF Senior Manager for Climate & Energy

Email us at info@nwa.org to let us know you will attend, and we will talk you through how to speak up for offshore wind in Rhode Island.

If you would like to support offshore wind energy in Rhode Island but cannot attend the hearings, please email us for additional opportunities to make your voice heard.

North Carolina is a leader in U.S. solar energy development (flickr / Mike Baker)

North Carolina’s story is not entirely unique.  A similar display of support for clean energy came from Kansas days earlier, as state lawmakers rejected a bill like Hager’s.  Looking outward, there is ample opportunity for others to follow suit, as attacks on state renewable energy policies have advanced in more than 20 states.

Ultimately, jobs won the votes in North Carolina & Kansas

Yes, this was an important win for renewable energy.  But according to those who cast their votes against Hager’s bill in North Carolina, this was all about jobs.

“It was based off local issues back home.  I would have had a difficult time talking to a CEO who just brought 300 jobs to Cleveland County [and telling him] that I’m going to vote to eliminate this program that justified their investment.” – Rep. Tim Moore

Likewise in Kansas, jobs helped tip the scale in favor of a clean energy future:

“It’s not about a deal that a bunch of suits made one evening.  It’s about jobs.  It’s about economic vitality.  It’s about the future health of Kansas citizens.  It’s about the future environmental health of our state.” – Rep. Julie Menghini

Rep. Moore refers to the reality that the policy in question allowed North Carolina to become the fifth-largest solar energy developer in America, and helped the state at a desperate economic moment.  In Kansas, Rep. Menghini and her colleagues voted with foresight, amplifying that the outcomes of energy debates will have multi-generational impacts.  These first strong victories in defending clean energy polices show what polls continue to underscore – Americans want more clean energy, not less.

Building a bigger story

Offshore wind production will bring long-term jobs to America’s shores (flickr/DeepCwind)

Now is not the time to move backwards in our pursuit of clean energy for America, and thank you to the North Carolina House of Representatives for demonstrating that we do not need to.  The growing abundance of clean energy solutions at our fingertips render attempts like Hager’s inexcusable.

America is ready to get to work building infrastructure to support power sources that do not pollute our air and water.  We are ready to share in the successes we continue to see abroad, and build responsibly sited wind turbines off our shores.  We are ready to leave behind dangerous pipelines and coal mines that destroy wildlife habitats and contribute to climate change.  And finally, we are ready for our elected leaders at both the state and federal levels to hear us, and to help in bringing to fruition the energy future that is well within reach—or at the very least, to please, stay out of the way.

Supporters from across the state join Governor O’Malley and General Assembly leaders for Maryland Offshore Wind bill Signing.

With his signature, Governor O’Malley initiated the process outlined in the bill that will result in the construction of turbines off the coast of Ocean City. The Maryland Offshore Wind Energy Act of 2013 creates a mechanism to incentivize the development of a major 200 megawatt offshore wind facility and establish a regulatory framework that will allow additional projects to interconnect in Maryland.

The law provides a “strike zone” of ratepayer protections only allowing the Public Service Commission (PSC) to approve a proposed offshore wind farm if it projects that the additional ratepayer impact is below $1.50 per household or 1.5 percent for non-residential customers.Developers must demonstrate that any project proposed will result in a net economic benefit to the state by creating jobs, economic development and protecting public health.  The 2013 legislation also contains a $10 million Offshore Wind Business Development Fund targeted to small and minority businesses to assist them in preparing to participate in this new industry.

Working with the U.S. Department of Interior, Maryland agencies have helped designate a Maryland “Wind Energy Area” 10 nautical miles east of Ocean City that is expected to be leased to developers later this year.

Governor O’Malley and all of Maryland’s leaders deserve great praise and appreciation for stepping up and creating a path forward for offshore wind development in our state. This is precisely the kind of leadership needed at this moment in time to jumpstart a robust offshore wind industry in America. This accomplishment not only means healthier air, cleaner energy, and more jobs for Maryland, but also signals the growing momentum for offshore wind energy along the entire Atlantic Coast.  Here are a few highlights:

• Massachusetts: In New Bedford, MA, major investments are being made to expand the South Terminal port facility in order to support the construction and operation of Cape Wind and future offshore wind projects.  Cape Wind is expected to commence construction this year, and the Department of the Interior (DOI) is expected to issue additional leases off of New England via auction later this year.
• Rhode Island: A 30 MW demonstration project is moving forward in state waters off Block Island, with plans to also commence construction this year. DOI is on track to auction leases for additional offshore wind project sites later this year.
• New Jersey: In anticipation of major offshore wind development, the firm Weeks Marine has begun construction of a multi-million-dollar vessel designed specifically to install offshore wind turbines. 
• Virginia: Dominion has received Department of Energy funding for an offshore wind demonstration project, and is one of eight entities that has expressed interest in securing a lease for an offshore wind project in the federally designated Wind Energy Area off of Virginia. DOI is expected hold a lease auction for this site before the end of the year. 
• Mid-Atlantic Transmission: The DOI also cleared the way for the company Atlantic Wind Connection – with investment support from Google, Inc. — to receive right-of-way approval for an ocean-based transmission line, pending additional review.
• Federal Tax Incentives: The Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is critical for offshore wind development and provides a strong market signal to energy investors. Congress is currently considering a proposal to extend the current tax credit, which is set to expire at the end of 2013. 
• Federal Investments: In early December, the U.S. Department of Energy announced seven offshore wind awards for projects in Maine, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Texas and Virginia. As part of the Energy Department’s broader efforts to launch an offshore wind industry in the United States, these engineering, design and deployment projects will support innovative offshore installations in state and federal waters for commercial operation by 2017.

The National Wildlife Federation is working with a broad coalition of partners to build momentum and support for the rapid, responsible development of our offshore wind energy resources. Building clean energy is critical to protect wildlife from the dangers of climate change, but we must also be sure that strong conservation principles guide our offshore wind development activities. In a first of its kind collaboration, NWF and a coalition of leading environmental organizations and offshore wind developers have reached an agreement on needed measures to protect critically endangered North Atlantic right whales during pre-development activities. This collaborative agreement between key ocean stakeholders helps expedite offshore wind development while ensuring protection of the Atlantic’s precious ecosystem.

To learn more about progress on Atlantic Offshore Wind development and its significant potential to power our homes and businesses with clean, renewable energy, please view our recent report The Turning Point for Atlantic Offshore Wind Energy: Time for Action to Create Jobs, Reduce Pollution, Protect Wildlife & Secure America’s Energy Future

The Maryland Offshore Wind Energy Act establishes a market-driven process to incentivize the construction of ocean-based wind turbines 10 miles or more off the coast of Ocean City. By investing in appropriately-sited offshore wind, Maryland is seizing the opportunity to make our electricity supply cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable.  Advancement of the Offshore Wind Energy Act ensures protection of the state’s critical natural resources while helping Maryland meet its energy needs.

For nearly 3 years, the National Wildlife Federation has partnered with local conservation, faith, and civic organizations through the Maryland Climate Coalition striving to build momentum and support for the rapid, responsible development of our offshore wind energy resources.  This effort was made possible through individuals across the state who collected more than 10,000 petition signatures, made hundreds of phone calls, sent handwritten letters, and attended town hall meetings and rallies. We join our Maryland partners – and offshore wind advocates along the coast – in celebrating this Win for Offshore Wind.

An offshore wind turbine in the Thames Estuary, U.K. Flickr photo by Phil Hollman

The Incentivizing Offshore Wind Power Act carries the legacy of a similar bill Carper, and Collins’s former colleague Olympia Snowe, introduced last year with a companion bill in the House by Pascrell and LoBiondo.  While much of the bill’s substance remains the same, its new timing makes it even more critical, both politically and environmentally.  As the fossil fuel industry continues to attack much-needed investments in clean energy, we need our congressional leaders to accept that it will always be far more expensive to ignore the urgent threat of climate change—and to produce legislation that guides investors to act accordingly.

The bill extends the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for the first 3,000 megawatts (MW) of offshore wind production, to support first-movers in this new industry. Such essential encouragement will leverage private investment dollars to help bring the first offshore wind projects online.  Strategically supporting the establishment of a clean and sustainable energy foundation here in the United States will provide thousands of jobs and steer us toward a future in which we can meet our energy demands while minimizing risks to wildlife.

Crossing the Aisle in Both Chambers

Public demand to move away from dirty sources of energy is getting louder, and extreme weather continues to remind us that the impacts of climate change are not going to stall as we work through political stagnancy.  This legislation plants the seeds of our national potential to rise above gridlock and meet the challenges of our time.

These leaders understand that to support offshore wind development is to support a clean and prosperous future, where job growth is responsible and lasting, and investors are rewarded for putting their money in the right place.  Now, as we commend all original cosponsors—Sens. Chris Coons (D-DE), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Frank Lautenburg (D-NJ), Menendez (D-NJ), Sherrod  Brown (D-OH), Angus King (I-ME), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ben Cardin (D-MD), and William “Mo” Cowan (D-MA)—we must all urge our representatives in Washington, DC to take climate change seriously and to respond with bold and effective environmental policy that rapidly transitions America to a clean energy future.

Tweet a Thank-You to Offshore Wind Leaders

If you are on Twitter,  send a Tweet to thank the members of Congress who introduced the Incentivizing Offshore Wind Power Act — which will help bring the clean energy that is critical to helping wildlife threatened by climate change.

Share on Twitter: Congrats to @SenatorCarper @SenatorCollins @BillPascrell @RepLoBiondo for introducing an offshore wind bill to promote clean energy!

For more than 20 years, Europe has been producing clean energy – and tens of thousands of jobs – from its offshore wind resources. Just last year, nearly 300 turbines were installed in order to bring their current offshore wind generation up to just under 5,000 MW. Here in America, we have an immense offshore wind resource sitting right off our shores, yet as the article points out we are still struggling to get our first turbines into the water.

Offshore wind turbines located near Denmark. Flickr photo by Kim Hansen.

Let’s put this into perspective

America needs real, sustained leadership at both the state and federal levels to advance large-scale clean energy sources in this country if we are to protect current and future generations from the dangers of climate change. NWF’s recent report, Wildlife in a Warming World: Confronting the Climate Crisis, details the devastating impacts we are already seeing across America from climate change. America’s reliance on high-polluting fossil fuels simply has to change if we are to confront this urgent threat, and our vast offshore wind resource presents a truly compelling alternative.

As President Obama said on Inauguration Day:

“The path towards sustainable energy sources will be long and sometimes difficult. But America cannot resist this transition; we must lead it. We cannot cede to other nations the technology that will power new jobs and new industries—we must claim its promise. That is how we will maintain our economic vitality…”

Appropriately-sited offshore wind power is a viable, reliable and clean source of energy that can move America away from polluting fossil fuels that are warming the planet at unsustainable rates. Atlantic wind power is available in close proximity to our largest population centers, and blows strongest during times of peak demand — offering a massive local energy source that can diversify our energy mix and offer a hedge against the volatility of fossil fuel prices. A robust offshore wind industry in the U.S. promises to be an economic powerhouse — with hundreds of thousands of new jobs in design, manufacturing, construction, and operation. We can no longer afford to ignore this opportunity: offshore wind power can and must be part of America’s energy future.

An offshore wind turbine in the Thames Estuary, U.K. Flickr photo by Phil Hollman

Fortunately, there is good news

All along the Atlantic coast — from Maine to Georgia — states are taking steps forward in the pursuit of offshore wind energy. Most recently, newly elected North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory has called for offshore wind development off the coast of North Carolina. After more than a decade of delay, the Cape Wind project in Massachusetts has secured the contracts it needs to cross the finish line, and an exciting demonstration project is moving forward in state waters off of Rhode Island. Both of these projects could potentially commence construction as early as next year.

Additionally, the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is moving the leasing process forward in varying forms off the coasts of 10 states (Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina and Georgia). Seven pilot-scale projects just received funding from the Department of Energy, and Congress recently prevented the critical Investment Tax Credit for offshore wind from expiring at the end of 2012.

The potential and interest are there. Now is the time to move beyond these preparatory building blocks and into real action to ensure favorable, predictable markets for clean energy.

Let’s look at the Maryland example, the central focus of the Washington Post article. Governor Martin O’Malley and the leadership of the General Assembly are pushing a bill designed to spur progress in advancing offshore wind energy off Maryland’s coast. The federal government has already identified a formal Wind Energy Area for Maryland, and six companies so far have expressed interest in building projects within it.

And there is broad public support. Business groups in Maryland, as well as environmental and public health organizations, are all actively supporting this offshore wind bill as a key next step in making offshore wind a reality off their shores. A January poll found that a growing number of Marylanders and a strong bipartisan majority, 72 percent, support developing offshore wind power. Maryland residents from all political and geographic subgroups said they would pay $2 more per month on their electricity bills to support offshore wind.

Governor O’Malley’s quote in the article hits the nail on the head:

“If we do nothing, large chunks of Maryland will be underwater in the foreseeable future. There will be drought, there will be famine and human pain, suffering and displacement — that’s the one thing we really do know for sure; 98.99 percent of all scientists agree.”

The time for stalling is over.  Climate change has not stalled – quite the opposite. Our reliance on polluting fossil fuels continues. Our state and federal leaders must lean into the wind and take meaningful steps forward to ensure America harnesses our largest untapped clean energy resource.

TAKE ACTION – Speak up for offshore wind energy!

The proposal championed by Gov. Martin O’Malley will be an economic powerhouse for Maryland, while helping the state achieve its renewable energy goals, reduce emissions and improve air and water quality.

Broad Support for Offshore Wind in Maryland

Governor O’Malley introduces Offshore Wind Energy Act of 2013.

A December 2012 poll commissioned by the Maryland Offshore Wind Coalition and conducted by OpinionWorks demonstrated that a growing number of Maryland voters and a strong majority—72 percent—support investing in the development of offshore wind power.  These results represent an 8-percent increase since similar polling was conducted in December 2011.

It is clear that Marylanders want to transition to renewable sources of energy.  The polls also found that 80 percent of those surveyed would “prefer to invest in clean wind power, rather than build another power plant that burns fossil fuels” and contributes to global warming pollution.  Maryland imports 30 percent of our energy from neighboring states, primarily coal from Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

Offshore wind can help Maryland meet its energy needs, through home-grown sources, without creating more pollution.

Clean Energy Critical for Chesapeake Bay Wildlife

Transitioning to clean energy sources, such as Atlantic offshore wind is one of the essential ways to protect wildlife for our children’s future.  Sea level rise caused by global warming pollution is the single biggest threat to wildlife and habitats like the Chesapeake Bay.  With its expansive coastline, low-lying topography, and growing coastal population, the Chesapeake Bay region is among the places in the nation most vulnerable to sea level rise.

The state of Maryland is currently losing approximately 580 acres every year to shore erosion, placing natural treasures like Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge and Tangier Sound and the wildlife species that depend on them at risk. Last summer, research from the U.S. Geological Survey found that oceans are rising three to four times faster between portions of North Carolina and Massachusetts than in other parts of the globe, partially because of land subsidence.

National Wildlife Federation is working with a broad coalition of partners all along the Atlantic coast to build momentum and support for the rapid, responsible development of our offshore wind energy resources.

I know I’m not alone in feeling growing anxiety about the changes to the natural world I’ve seen in my lifetime, or in my rising concern as I flip through the newspaper and think that America could be left behind in the accelerating race to a clean energy global economy. But I’ve also seen vivid proof that America can turn action on climate change into American jobs.

For all these reasons, and like millions of Americans, I was relieved and moved to hear President Obama commit to “respond to the threat of climate change” in his second inaugural address and to do so to preserve both America’s unique natural heritage, and our economic promise for our children.

In a  statement on Inauguration Day, NWF saw renewed hope for a secure climate future and underscored the broad public support to confront the urgent climate challenges that face all Americans.

Gov. Granholm at the Department of Energy Saturday.  Photo:  DOE

But for starters, here’s a hot-off-the-presses proposal that gives citizens of every state something to chew on (and a stake in the clean energy economy):

At an Inauguration weekend event at the Department of Energy,  I was happy to get a chance to hear former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm outline a Clean Energy Jobs Race to the Top that would spur states and regions to take advantage of their unique strengths to build in-state jobs and forge state and national energy leadership.

Here’s how it would work

One example of what responding to climate change looks like today. Building more fuel efficient cars and trucks in Kentucky. Photo: Sam Varnhagen, Ford Motor Co.

• Targeting industry clusters and opportunities for competitive advantage;
• Strong business and education partnerships;
• Approaches that spur supply and demand for new energy and technology;
• Partnering regionally; and
• More jobs created

How big is the upside to state action? Big. Take a look at these recent reports that outline the state-by-state and region-by-region benefits of deploying offshore windproduction, or modernizing our electric grid, building advanced vehicles, developing solar power or restoring the Gulf.

Full video of the DOE inaugural event is here, and provides a plenty to spur discussion of the specifics of  the Clean Energy Jobs Race to the Top  and other promising ways to meet our climate and energy challenges.  But whether you care most about jobs and  manufacturing, healthy families and communities, education and innovation, or wildlife and our natural heritage, there’s no doubt that states — in partnership with communities and the federal government — have a powerful opportunity to lead the way into a prosperous clean energy and climate smart future.

Ask your elected leaders and local organizations what they’re doing to respond to climate change and bring clean energy jobs to your neighborhood. You can make an #energypledge about what you plan to do to respond to climate change or meet our energy challenges, or a #GreenWish about what you’d like to see for the environment, wildlife, climate or energy in the year to come.

Offshore Wind Developers, Environmental Groups Reach First-of-Kind Agreement to Protect Endangered Right Whales

December 12 - In a first of its kind collaboration, a coalition of leading environmental organizations and offshore wind developers has agreed to a series of voluntary measures that will protect critically endangered North Atlantic right whales, while helping to expedite responsible offshore wind development, in the Mid-Atlantic.

Building upon proposed federally mandated protections, the Conservation Law Foundation, the National Wildlife Federation, Environment America and the Natural Resources Defense Council, working together with Deepwater Wind, Energy Management, Inc. (owner of Cape Wind in Massachusetts) and NRG Bluewater Wind, have drafted a set of protective measures that these developers will voluntarily implement over the next four years in areas designated by the administration as Mid-Atlantic Wind Energy Areas, which stretch from New Jersey to Virginia (map available here: http://on.doi.gov/UWoNPF).

And here are highlights from NWF in the News:

• The Star-Ledger: Offshore wind farm developers promise to keep whales’ interests in mind
• Bloomberg: Keystone Review Meaningless Without Climate Assessment
• The Morning Call: Hunters, fishermen could suffer without ‘fiscal cliff’ deal (Op-Ed)
• The Journal News: NWF’s ‘Ranger Rick’: Learn about lions in app for kids
• Public News Service: Ohio Hunters and Anglers Back Clean Wind Energy

For more, visit www.nwf.org/News