Samantha Dynowski, 860-916-3639, samantha.dynowski@sierraclub.org
Alex Amend, 404-457-8937, alex.amend@sierraclub.org
Hartford, CT -- The Connecticut State Senate passed a bill yesterday significantly increasing the state’s offshore wind commitment. Within 14 days of final passage of the bill, the state will put out a bid for up to 2000 megawatts of offshore wind energy--which could power over 800,000 households. The turbines will be located in federal waters 40 to 60 miles from the Connecticut coastline and utilize the State Pier in New London as well as skilled labor from the state in the project. The bill also includes strong labor and environmental protection provisions.
The bill had the unanimous support of the Senate; the House passed the bill with overwhelming support of 134-10 votes. The Governor is expected to sign the bill into law immediately.
In a statement, Samantha Dynowski, Connecticut State Director at the Sierra Club said:
"We will look back at this as a historic moment in the effort to tackle climate change in Connecticut with pride. The Connecticut legislature has shown that clean and renewable energy is a bipartisan issue that supports the environment and good jobs.
“Increasing investments in renewable energy, instead of dirty fossil fuels, means protecting communities from the threats of climate change all while creating jobs and building economic prosperity.”
About the 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 protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, 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.