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Offshore Wind Supporters Gathered for Coffee, Remarks as Tri-State Bids Roll In NEW LONDON, CT. -- Today, project bids for offshore wind development in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island were due to the state's three respective energy and environmental agencies. The proposal submissions mark a significant milestone in the states’ efforts to decarbonize the region, reduce dangerous emissions, and bolster clean, renewable offshore wind across the North Atlantic coast.
Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Rhode Island Energy, and Massachusetts’ Department of Energy Resources (DOER) first announced the tri-state procurement process for future state-crossing offshore wind farms last fall. Together, the three states’ solicitations are for up to 6,000 MW of offshore wind power. The selection of individual projects will depend on cost/benefit assessments and other evaluation criteria developed and conducted by the states. The state offices will announce selected projects on August 7, with contracts set to be executed by October 9. Local Connecticut environmental groups, government leaders, and students gathered this morning at Muddy Waters Cafe to celebrate the incoming bids. Over 15 of the climate groups have also signed a letter of support for offshore wind addressed to Governor Ned Lamont. Labor groups, Connecticut League of Conservation Voters, and The Nature Conservancy have also submitted support letters. New England is home to some of the nation’s best offshore wind resources, giving the region a unique advantage in reaping clean energy’s economic and climate benefits. According to a recent Climate Nexus poll, two-thirds of U.S. coastal county residents support offshore wind development. "The historic Port of New London is proud to be making history once again as our State and country embark on a green energy future,” said New London Mayor Michael Passero. “The city and its port is well positioned to support the build out of commercial offshore wind power installations off the coast of New England. Having just celebrated the completion of the country’s first commercial scale project, Southfork Wind, now connected to the grid, New London looks forward to the start of Revolution Wind this Spring followed by Sunrise Wind. The city anxiously anticipates the next milestone as Connecticut, RI and MA accept bids to invest in another 6,000 MWs of offshore wind.” "Residents across the state, local agencies, and decision-makers agree; offshore wind is key to unlocking Connecticut's clean energy future,” said Samantha Dynowski, Sierra Club Connecticut Chapter Director. “Offshore wind has immense potential to spur economic development, create local jobs, improve grid reliability, and cut pollution from gas power that threatens our state's health and safety. We look forward to the project selection announcements and the many short and long-term benefits for Connecticut families and businesses.” "As the largest single potential source of clean renewable energy in the Northeast, offshore wind is essential to meeting Connecticut’s commitment to substantially reducing greenhouse gas emissions and securing 100% zero-carbon energy by 2040,” said Charles Rothenberger, Climate and Energy Attorney for Save the Sound. “As the staging port for the nation’s first commercial scale offshore wind project, and with work about to get underway for Connecticut’s Revolution Wind project, New London stands at the forefront of the region’s clean energy transition. We hope to see robust proposals for additional offshore wind resources and urge CT DEEP to secure the full 2,000 MW to keep Connecticut a leader on renewable energy.” "Offshore wind is crucial to our ability to address the climate crisis, particularly here in New England where wind resources are abundant and where wind can make a big difference in power reliability, especially in the most critical time, winter,” said Nathan Frohling, Director of External Affairs for The Nature Conservancy of CT. “It also makes economic sense,” he added, referring to a letter he sent to Governor Lamont on that subject: Letter to Governor . "In this pivotal moment for New England's renewable energy landscape, the tri-state offshore wind procurement marks a historic step towards a cleaner, more sustainable future," said Mike Urgo, CTLCV President. "Harnessing our region's abundant offshore wind resources not only drives economic growth but also underscores our commitment to combating climate change and safeguarding our communities for generations to come." "Connecticut needs offshore wind to meet our state's climate goals,” said Aziz Dehkan, Executive Director of the Connecticut Roundtable on Climate and Jobs. "We are committed to seeing the industry established in Connecticut with benefits for construction workers, supply chain companies, and project host communities in Connecticut and throughout the region. We look forward to seeing the results of this procurement and the economic opportunity it will bring." ### Offshore Wind Supporters Will Gather for Coffee, Remarks as Tri-State Bids Roll In NEW LONDON, CT. -- March 27 will mark a significant moment in New England’s efforts to advance offshore wind across the North Atlantic coast. Last fall, Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), and its counterparts in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, announced a first-of-its-kind tri-state procurement process for future state-crossing offshore wind farms. On Wednesday, project bids by offshore wind developers are due to the three state agencies.
To celebrate this clean energy milestone, members of several Connecticut climate and environmental justice groups will convene for breakfast and remarks at the Muddy Waters Cafe in New London, Connecticut. At the event, New London Mayor Mike Passero, Connecticut Port Authority Executive Director Ulysses Hammond, and Charles Rothenberger, Climate & Energy Attorney at Save the Sound, will all speak to offshore wind’s climate, economic and community benefits. Together, the three states’ solicitations are for up to 6,000 MW of offshore wind power. The selection of individual projects will depend on cost/benefit assessments and other evaluation criteria developed and conducted by the states. The state offices will announce selected projects on August 7, with contracts set to be executed by October 9. New England is home to some of the nation’s best offshore wind resources, giving the region a unique advantage in reaping clean energy’s economic and climate benefits. According to a recent Climate Nexus poll, two-thirds of U.S. coastal county residents support offshore wind development. What: CT Offshore Wind: Bid Day Celebration Breakfast Where: Muddy Waters Cafe, 40 Bank St, New London, CT 06320, USA When: Wednesday, March 27 8:30AM to 10AM Remarks By: New London Mayor Mike Passero, Connecticut Port Authority Executive Director Ulysses Hammond, and Charles Rothenberger, Climate & Energy Attorney at Save the Sound Participating Groups: Sierra Club Connecticut, CT Roundtable on Climate & Jobs, Conservation Law Foundation, Connecticut League of Conservation Voters, Save the Sound, The Nature Conservancy ### Hartford, CT - Today, the Connecticut Coalition for Climate Action joined Rep. Christine Palm, Rep. Geraldo Reyes, Rep. Aundré Baumgardner, Rep. Dominique Johnson, Rep. John Michael Parker, Rep. Sarah Keitt, Rep. Jennifer Leeper, Rep. David Michel, Rep. Amy Morrin Bello, and Rep. Anne Hughes along with business leaders, health care professionals, students, and others in support of Raised Bill HB 5004. The Coalition, a broad-based group of more than 40 health care providers, scientists, environmental organizations, religious groups, and others representing more than 300,000 members, was formed one year ago to address the climate crisis, public health, and environmental justice concerns facing Connecticut.
HB 5004 seeks to advance the state's goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by investing in renewable energy, incentivizing green economy startup businesses, planning for the phase-out of our reliance on natural gas, accelerating a shift away from fossil fuel heating to clean electric heat pumps, supporting local sustainable purchasing, and leveraging nature-based solutions to mitigate climate change. The legislation builds on Connecticut’s long history of innovation and environmental stewardship while better aligning our efforts with those of our neighboring states. HB 5004 will position Connecticut to be successful in our common goals of protecting our shared environment, improving public health, increasing clean renewable energy, and stabilizing energy costs. Dr. Mark Mitchell, a member of the coalition steering committee, founder of Connecticut Health Professionals for Climate Action and chair of Connecticut Equity and Environmental Justice Advisory Council (CEEJAC), commented on the health effects of climate change during the event and highlighted the provisions in HB 5004 that help low-income individuals, people of color, children, and the elderly. Data was presented at the press conference that highlighted the health effects of climate change. “According to a 2020 report released by the Yale Center on Climate Change and Health, heat stress contributed to nearly 500 emergency department visits and hospitalizations per year between 2006 and 2016 in Connecticut. The health cost of inaction is not something we can afford to pass on to future generations,” said Stefan Marczuk, a UCONN medical student. Dr. Sanjiv Godse, a pediatrician and pediatric pulmonology fellow, added, “Climate change is not just an environmental issue; it is a profound threat to human health and well-being. As we continue to witness the devastating effects of climate change around the globe—ranging from extreme weather events to rising sea levels—it becomes increasingly clear that the health of our planet is intricately linked to the health of its inhabitants. HB 5004 will help to bring Connecticut into a greener and healthier future.” The coalition sees the tangible emission reduction targets and incentivizing carbonization efforts as a win for public health. “As physicians on the front lines, we treat patients daily with asthma and other respiratory diseases that are exacerbated by climate change. HB 5004 will re-establish Connecticut’s commitment to protecting public health by setting us on a path to achieving the state's goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” added Dr. Anthony Yoder, chair of health and public policy for the American College of Physicians, CT Chapter and steering committee member of the coalition. The coalition also continues to express the urgency of action this session. “Connecticut lawmakers have an opportunity—and an obligation—to align our policies with the public’s demand for action on climate,” said Lori Brown, executive director of the CT League of Conservation Voters. “House Bill 5004 contains specific steps that the state can take to fulfill that obligation by updating our laws and providing creative incentives. These measures are urgent, comprehensive, and actionable.” “The way we heat our buildings is partly why Connecticut fails to meet federal air quality standards year after year--which means people suffering from more asthma, heart disease, and other health damage, especially our most vulnerable residents,” said Shannon Laun, Conservation Law Foundation Vice President for Connecticut. “House Bill 5004 will cut that dangerous pollution and help people breathe easier and live healthier lives.” “Twenty years ago, an overwhelming bipartisan majority of the Connecticut legislature enacted a law committing our state to cutting its emissions of the pollution that fuels global warming by 80% by 2050. Unfortunately, so far our state has failed to keep that commitment,” said Chris Phelps, Environment Connecticut State Director. “HB 5004 would help our state get back on track to meeting its commitment to cut global warming pollution and fight climate change to protect our environment and economy for future generations.” Charles Rothenberger, climate and energy attorney for Save the Sound, said, “It’s time to treat climate change with the seriousness it deserves, and hold ourselves accountable to meaningful action to reduce emissions. Connecticut must update its core climate law, the Global Warming Solutions Act, to honor the climate promises we’ve made and build a sustainable economy together.” The detailed agenda for the coalition can be found at www.climateactionct.org/2024-agenda. The Coalition Steering Committee includes the American College of Physicians, CT Chapter, ConnPirg, Conservation Law Foundation, CT Health Professionals for Climate Action, CT League of Conservation Voters, Environment Connecticut, Interreligious Eco-Justice Network, Mitchell Environmental Health Associates, People’s Action for Clean Energy, Save the Sound, Sierra Club Connecticut, The Nature Conservancy in Connecticut. More information about the Connecticut Coalition for Climate Action can be found at www.climateactionct.org. ### |
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