FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 28, 2019
Contact:
Deb Pasternak, Massachusetts Sierra Club, (617) 852-2641, deb.pasternak@sierraclub.org
Kevin O’Brien, Massachusetts Sierra Club, (617) 423-5775, kevin.obrien@sierraclub.org
Massachusetts Sierra Club Applauds Progress on Offshore Wind
Baker Administration sets timeframe for second offshore wind procurement
BOSTON, MA -- The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources and the state’s electric distribution companies have filed documents to begin the second procurement of offshore wind, in order to meet the 1,600 MW minimum required by law. It remains crucial that the bid selected benefits electric ratepayers, the state’s economy, and the environment while creating a more resilient electric grid. Sierra Club applauds this crucial next step in moving Massachusetts toward 100% renewable energy, and hopes to see swift progress by state officials to make this happen as soon as possible.
Massachusetts Sierra Club Chapter Director Deb Pasternak issued the following statement:
“We’re happy to see this process moving forward in a timely manner, because there certainly is no time to waste in moving Massachusetts toward 100% renewable energy. We urge regulators and state officials to expedite the build-out of offshore wind, and seek additional procurements well beyond this initial 1,600 MW. The offshore wind industry will bring good, well-paying jobs to Massachusetts residents. We can bolster our economy while reducing our reliance on dirty fuels from out-of-state, cleaning up our air, and mitigating the worst impacts of climate change. As this industry continues rapidly maturing in the United States, we look forward to working with state officials to keep Massachusetts a national leader in offshore wind.”
About Sierra Club:
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.
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