CTLCV Urges DEEP to Make Environmental Protection a Priority in Offshore Wind Development

Hartford, CT - The Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) issued the following testimony in support of the state's pursuit of new offshore wind facilities. You can also download this testimony as a PDF. 

Commissioner Katie Dykes
Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
79 Elm Street
Hartford, CT 06106
 
Dear Commissioner Dykes,
 
Thank you for the opportunity to testify on the procurement of new offshore wind facilities in accordance with Section 1 of Public Act 19-71 (HB 7156) An Act Concerning the Procurement of Energy Derived from Offshore Wind. We at the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) are excited to see our state taking bold action to invest in clean energy, combat climate change, and meet our carbon emission reduction targets.
 
Connecticut has been called both the Saudi Arabia and the Wild West of offshore wind. These comparisons allude to the rich, untapped potential of offshore wind—but they are also a warning against the reckless pursuit of a new commodity without properly accounting for the risks. CTLCV supports many of the recommendations made by the Commission on Environmental Standards, particularly those aimed at protecting wildlife.
 
As our state considers proposals for offshore wind facilities, CTLCV respectfully asks you to give particular consideration to the following concerns:
 

• The technology used in the construction and placement of offshore wind facilities should prioritize environmental protections;
• New advances are made regularly, and given Connecticut’s reputation for innovation, we expect to see even greater progress in the months to come. We must allow developers to use new technology if doing so would further minimize impacts on our wildlife.
• Developers should be required to consider existing data, plans and reports on wildlife and marine health to determine the impacts of their projects and develop mitigation plans;
• Given the growth of the clean energy sector and the need for sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels, all proposals should account for maintenance, expansion, and decommissioning of their facilities so that Connecticut can minimize future impacts and lay the groundwork for new developments;
• The state and the developer should be prepared to invest the proper resources to monitor these new facilities, release timely reports for public review, and adjust to new circumstances as required.

 
We must take care not to let the urgent need to solve our climate crisis create additional repercussions for our environment.  The location and construction of these new turbines will certainly impact marine life. Our fishing and tourism industries rely on this ecosystem to thrive. Furthermore, whales and other apex wildlife are indicators of ocean health—especially in relation to climate change. Threats to their populations could also cost us the advance warning we need to stave off future crises.
 
We have been greatly encouraged to hear many legislators, officials, and developers talking frankly and seriously about the environmental impacts of offshore wind. Clean energy is clearly the future for our economy and our planet, and we have the responsibility to lay a strong groundwork for successful, responsible projects to come.
 
Thank you for considering these comments and for keeping the environment at the top of your mind as you evaluate proposals.
 
Sincerely,

Lori Brown
​Executive Director, CTLCV