President Biden's pledge to fight climate change specifically includes renewed support for offshore wind development along North Carolina's coastline, citing the economic benefits the N.C. Sierra Club also sees in the burgeoning sector.
The N.C. Sierra Club, which just yesterday co-hosted a workshop on the need to responsibly develop of offshore wind to protect wildlife, agreed with Biden on the multiple positive outcomes possible from increasing offshore wind development.
"Any effort to fight climate change must include the rapid development and implementation of clean energy sources. North Carolina is one of the top 10 states in offshore wind energy potential, and this action by the Biden administration relieves a great deal of uncertainty for developers who want to bring abundant clean energy and well-paid jobs to our state," said Erin Carey, Director of Coastal Programs for the N.C. Sierra Club.
"With responsible planning and protections in place for our abundant and diverse wildlife, this announcement opens the door for North Carolina to take its rightful place as the leader in offshore wind development and carbon-cutting in the energy sector. "
Biden today announced a broad initiative to help fight climate change and support communities that are being harmed by the current dramatic heat and other climate-related impacts. The announcement includes a directive to Interior Secretary Deb Haaland to advance offshore wind development along the coasts of Southeastern states including North Carolina.
The national Sierra Club also urged the president to take strong action to address climate change and its impacts.