Published October 12th, 2023
By Dustyn Thompson
Last Friday, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) released its Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for two major offshore wind projects near Delaware!
There will now be four opportunities for public engagement in support of or in opposition to the projects. This is one of the last opportunities before the projects are approved. Unfortunately, the opposition to offshore wind knows this and is rallying the troops like never before.
We know that these are not Delaware projects in that we are not the state that started the bidding process or approved the contracts, nor will we be buying the electrons. However, I wanted to encourage you to consider three things and then ask for your support in testifying in favor of the projects moving forward.
First, consider the fact that Delaware imports nearly all of its energy from the regional grid and that these projects will in all likelihood come onshore in Delaware. That means that the clean electrons will absolutely work to power Delaware homes and help clean up the climate and air pollution for our entire region.
Second, we know that fossil fuel lobbyists and their special interest groups are 100% behind the overwhelming majority of offshore wind oppositional front groups and are flat-out lying to the public on numerous fronts in an effort to prop up their financial backers. If we do not combat their misinformation, no one will. Groups that support clean energy, like the Sierra Club, are the only hope for spreading the truth over lies.
Finally, consider the impact of this project moving forward on Delaware’s ability to create its own projects. If these fossil fuel-backed groups are successful in stopping these offshore wind projects, they will be even more empowered to work that much harder at stopping any Delaware-specific project. What’s worse is that they will have a clear road map to doing so. This would set a dangerous precedent that could hamper the entire industry if they are successful, and they know it.
That is why I’m asking you to come out and testify in support of these two projects.
You can attend the in-person hearing on Thu., Oct. 26, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. at the Indian River High School, 29772 Armory Rd, Dagsboro, DE 19939.
Or, you can attend a virtual hearing on either Thu., Oct. 19, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. or Mon., Oct. 30, 2023, at 5:00 p.m.
Registration for the virtual public meetings is required and can be done here: https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_x3ygygooTOSlnrzhiOJYPg#/registration