Herring have been an important New England fish for centuries, including as bait for lobster. For most of the fishery’s existence, herring were caught by smaller boats and equipment.

Over the last 25 years, much larger ships – known as mid-water trawlers – have been dragging nets as long as football fields in near-shore environments.  These ships that can hold up to a million pounds of fish each contribute to localized depletion, where a local population of herring can nearly be eradicated, and also catch numerous unwanted species like herring predators in the process.

The result? This year the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced it was cutting the allowable catch for herring in half due to concerns about a rapidly declining population.

In its new proposed management strategy, the Council can address these issues by adopting two new rules.  First, it should ban mid-water trawlers within fifty miles of shore where most predators feed and localized depletion is at highest risk.  Second, it should manage herring as a forage fish, which would mean ensuring a certain amount of the population remains unfished to benefit predators.

Not only would these measures protect predators, they would also be conservative measures that could minimize the boom-and-bust cycle of the herring population, providing stability for commercial fishermen and wildlife alike.

Additionally, these provisions won’t eliminate fishing for herring in these areas, but return it to the traditional small scale fishery it had been for most of the 20^th century.

We believe it is important to maintain populations of herring and other forage species to protect the health of larger predators like whales.  As we all know, it is sometimes the smallest thing in nature that can make the biggest difference, and that is why we must protect herring from large mid-water trawlers and manage them conservatively.

Speak out for puffin by asking your local state agency to ensure their commissioners support conservation of herring next month.

Once we arrived alongside the turbines, everyone poured out onto the deck for a guided tour by project developer Deepwater Wind’s Matt Morrissey. The story of this trail-blazing project is ripe with models to follow and lessons to learn from. It is one we at NWF have been proud to support, due to Deepwater Wind’s commitment to protecting wildlife every step of the way, even adjusting their construction schedule to avoid disrupting the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale (click here to learn more about NWF’s work to ensure that all offshore wind development in U.S. waters meets the highest standards of wildlife protection). As always, the Block Island Wind Farm sparked smiles and selfies, questions about how it happened, and discussions of where to go from here.

A few reactions from folks on board:

JD Chesloff, Executive Director, Massachusetts Business Roundtable:

“I used to be somewhat of a skeptic, not of the science of offshore wind or of the importance of clean energy to our environment, but of its ability to be a cost effective piece of the region’s energy mix.  Then I learned about the incredible advances in technology, better understood both the economics of offshore wind and potential for this industry in Massachusetts, and on this trip saw first-hand the enormous and powerful scale of the turbines.  I am now convinced that offshore wind not only should be part of the solution to our regional energy needs, it has to be.”

Janet Gail Besser, Executive Vice President, Northeast Clean Energy Council:

“It was a pleasure to showcase this first-of-its-kind clean energy project to dozens of business leaders in our region. This tour gave us an up-close perspective on the energy source that has the potential to put the Northeast at the beginning of the energy pipeline rather than the end. By harnessing the Northeast’s offshore wind potential we can truly fuel a clean energy economy that provides businesses and residents with clean, sustainable energy while driving economic development in our region.”

Tony Sheridan, President & CEO, Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut

“I was delighted to be part of the up-close tour of America’s first five offshore wind turbines located off the shore of Block Island. The beautifully designed mills are a wonderful way to harness the unlimited source of wind to produce clean renewable energy. Additionally, wind farms have enormous potential for growing a new industry and creating new high paying jobs. The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut encourages and supports this important effort.”

Matthew Willner, Senior Associate, State Policy, Ceres:

“Seeing these turbines in person really drives home the enormous potential of offshore wind for New England’s power system. As businesses and investors continue to call for greater investment in clean energy, the Block Island Wind Farm demonstrates that this is cost effective and doable.”

Steve Conant, Partner, Project Manager, Anbaric Development Partners:

“The tour gave me a glimpse into the future potential of offshore wind in the United States.  A series of wind farms up and down the east coast can be realized with the collective effort of all of us.  Anbaric is looking forward to playing its part as the industry evolves from these first 30 megawatts to thousands of megawatts.”

The path forward

On the cruise out to the turbines, we heard from Bill White, the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center’s Senior Director of Offshore Wind Sector Development. Bill shared the Commonwealth’s enthusiasm for the many benefits industrial-scale offshore wind development is soon to deliver. Massachusetts has made the largest policy commitment to offshore wind, agreeing to advance contracts for enough power for more than half a million homes (at least 1,600 megawatts) by 2027. As attendees heard from the tour’s sponsoring organizations, Massachusetts is not without competition from neighboring states. New York, in particular, has stated a commitment to develop 2,400 megawatts of power by 2030 and has its first contract in place for a 90 megawatt project. New Jersey is home to a 1,100 megawatt offshore wind policy, one now Governor-elect Phil Murphy pledged during his campaign to increase. And Maryland has contracts in place with two developers totaling 368 megawatts of generation.

The responsible development of offshore wind power is essential to reaching a clean energy future and protecting communities and wildlife from climate change. It’s also a smart economic decision. The cost has fallen dramatically in recent years due to advancements in Europe, where the industry has been growing since 1991 and employs over 80,000 people. Now is the moment for the U.S. to get in the game – the Block Island Wind Farm can and must be the start of something transformative.

TAKE ACTION! Urge your Governor to be an offshore wind leader!

ACT NOW!

NWF advocates for the responsible development of offshore wind power as a critical climate change solution with abundant untapped clean energy potential. We work closely with developers, government officials, local ocean users, and community members to ensure that coastal and marine wildlife are considered and protected every step of the way. The Block Island Wind Farm serves as a model that we now hope to see the industry grow from.

America’s first five offshore wind turbines began generating power off the coast of Rhode Island just months ago. While producing enough clean, local energy for 17,000 homes, they also serve as a critical opportunity to show what’s possible in U.S. waters. They were developed with the highest standards of wildlife protection in place , and they created over 300 Rhode Island jobs in the process.

The unmatched clean energy potential and the thousands of workers needed to bring it to fruition make offshore wind power a unifying force between labor and environmental leaders.

Here are a few reactions from those on board

Kim Glas, Executive Director, BlueGreen Alliance:

“It was incredible to see the work done by so many skilled union members and that was the result of years of collaboration between labor, environmental organizations, industry and key government officials and entities.  It’s a testament of what is possible across the northeast and beyond when organizations work together. We are also really excited about the possibilities that offshore wind offers in terms of creating good paying, high-quality union jobs in the manufacturing and construction industries over the long-term.”

Scott Duhamel, Secretary Treasurer, Rhode Island Building and Construction Trades Council, Rhode Island:

“While the process was a long and hard fought journey (six years), the end result was truly satisfying: Close to 300 jobs for local unionized craftsman who came out of 10 separate Building Trades Locals, who worked for 30 or so unionized contractors and sub-contractors. We, at the RI Building and Construction Trades Council, are fiercely proud of our initial advocacy that lead to the great end results of putting the first wind turbines in America’s waters, and even prouder that our member’s skills were utilized in making and completing the groundbreaking project, and hopefully, helping to jumpstart a whole new industry.”

George Nee, President, Rhode Island AFL-CIO:

“When you look at this, you see history, you see success and you see perseverance,” he said. “This is labor, business, government and the environmental movement getting together to do what’s right for jobs, what’s right for the environment and what’s right for our kids and grandkids.”

Craig A. Pinkham, President, Utility Workers Union of America Local 369, Massachusetts:

“The clean energy sector is growing rapidly and the Block Island Wind Farm is a historic project that will generate affordable and reliable clean energy. Just as important, this project is spurring economic growth and new jobs with good wages and benefits — critical opportunities for highly skilled workers like ours. The offshore wind industry offers tremendous promise and we’re invested in the success of this project and others like it.”

Ellen Redmond, International Representative, IBEW, Third District, New York:

“The Block Island Wind Farm is an amazing feat of engineering and construction.  At first sight of the BIWF it became very apparent to me that working in this industry is not for the faint-hearted.  I am so proud of my brothers and sisters in the IBEW, and all the people who helped build these beautiful machines so that we may benefit from a cleaner source of energy for generations to come.”

Luke Gordon, Staff Representative, United Steelworkers, New Jersey:

“I was thrilled to take part in the recent tour of the Block Island Wind Farm.  It was truly exciting to see the potential for developing zero emissions renewable energy while creating good community-based jobs in the manufacturing and construction industries.  Offshore Wind has a tremendous potential for the future, and is an important opportunity to create a true ‘just transition’ for industrial workers.”

Todd Vachon, President, United Auto Workers Local 6950, Connecticut:

“This is an issue our members care a lot about. We’re in favor of infrastructure development to employ Connecticut workers, and we consider climate change a major health and safety issue for all working people and their families.”

Let’s make it happen!

Building offshore wind power at the scale needed to transform our energy future, combat climate change, and create thousands of U.S. jobs requires action at all levels of government. Together, we can show our state and federal leaders that offshore wind power is of urgent importance, and ensure that the Block Island Wind Farm is the start of a new energy era we can all be proud to have a hand in building.

TAKE ACTION NOW

Let your Governor know that you support offshore wind power!

Today, there is tremendous momentum behind U.S. offshore wind power. We have five turbines up and running at Rhode Island’s Block Island Wind Farm. Massachusetts and New York have committed to enough offshore wind development to power, collectively, well over a million homes. And the Interior Department has awarded 12 leases to developers for areas of federal water all along the east coast, most recently in North Carolina.

As states like Massachusetts and New York move forward on their commitments, the U.S. offshore wind industry is rapidly expanding. NWF is tracking progress and keeping wildlife and communities at the forefront of this important endeavor. We believe offshore wind power is worth advancing and we remain committed to scaling up this important wildlife-friendly source of renewable energy.

Why is offshore wind power so important for wildlife and communities?

Our mission at NWF is to unite all Americans to ensure wildlife thrive in a rapidly changing world. It is among our top priorities to do all we can to combat the present and worsening threat of global warming. To do so we must dramatically reduce our reliance on one of climate change’s primary drivers: carbon-polluting fossil fuels. We need to embrace the clean, renewable energy resources available to us and ensure that they are developed responsibly, minimizing and mitigating impacts on wildlife and habitat.

In coastal states, offshore wind power is one the most valuable clean energy opportunities we have. With our largest urban centers and most strained energy markets located along the coast, offshore wind power is available right where it is needed. Offshore wind is reliable, inexhaustible, and uniquely able to rise to the scale of our energy needs. Moreover, it can replace polluting power plants as they retire, improve local air and water quality all while creating thousands of jobs. And since we’re getting in the game decades behind Europe, the cost of offshore wind power has dramatically declined, offering an increasingly affordable energy choice that will help buffer ratepayers from the volatile fossil fuel market.

How is NWF ensuring offshore wind power is wildlife-friendly?

NWF is committed to ensuring that as offshore wind power moves forward, the highest standards of wildlife protection are in place every step of the way. Because offshore wind power is new to the nation, we have the opportunity to do this right from the start. NWF is working closely with developers, state and federal government officials, conservation partners, and many ocean users to ensure that wildlife and habitat protection is considered at every decision point, from siting to construction, and ultimately during operation and maintenance of offshore wind projects.

NWF’s advocacy is consistent with ocean planning efforts all along the coast, including Rhode Island’s trailblazing Ocean Special Area Management Plan, the Massachusetts Ocean Management Plan, the Northeast Ocean Plan, and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Ocean Action Plan.

Comprehensive and sound scientific data is the foundation of responsible offshore wind development. Our work is guided by data collected by the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, the New England Aquarium, the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, New Jersey’s Ocean/Wind Power Ecological Baseline Studies, and many others. New observations and planning efforts will continue to enrich and guide our advocacy for marine mammals, sea turtles, fish, birds, bats, and marine and coastal habitat.

Key Steps for Protecting Wildlife:

1. Ensure all offshore wind project siting, construction and operations decisions are informed by the best available science, comprehensive input from all kinds of stakeholders, and latest ocean planning efforts.
2. Avoid building in biologically sensitive areas including: shoals, boulder reefs, rocky cobble areas, the mouths of inlets, and other areas critical to wildlife migration, breeding, wintering, or other sensitive life stages.
3. Steer projects further offshore to significantly reduce potential conflicts with birds.
4. Ensure comprehensive pre- and post-construction monitoring programs to inform strategies for avoiding, minimizing, and mitigating potential impacts to wildlife.
5. Look at the big picture – including potential cumulative impacts of offshore wind projects as well as future shifts in wildlife ranges and other ecological changes that will result from climate change.

What is NWF doing to protect North Atlantic right whales?

North Atlantic right whales are critically endangered. Fewer than 500 are estimated to be alive today, so the loss of even one female could be devastating to the species. These majestic creatures migrate along the Atlantic Seaboard, and have been observed in and around areas designated for offshore wind development. Increased ship traffic and underwater noise from offshore wind survey and construction efforts pose a risk to right whales, as a result, extra precautions must be taken to minimize the potential impacts of these activities. NWF and our partners work to ensure these whales are protected through every stage of the development process as offshore wind leasing and projects advance.

America’s first offshore wind project has set a strong precedent for responsible offshore wind development. The Block Island Wind Farm – now up and running off the coast of Rhode Island – was developed with the highest standards of wildlife protection in place. Specifically, project developer Deepwater Wind worked closely with NWF and our partners to adjust their construction schedule to minimize risks to right whales and followed stringent protocols to ensure real-time actions were taken to protect whales as the turbines were being installed.

This success story builds on years of work to develop protocols for right whale protection throughout the offshore wind development process. In 2012, we negotiated a landmark agreement with three companies to voluntarily implement protective measures to reduce or avoid sound impacts from exploratory activities while determining where to build projects in the Mid-Atlantic region. Two years later, we collaborated on another agreement with Deepwater Wind to implement protective measures during pre-construction activities in their lease area off of southern New England.

In addition to working directly with developers, NWF and our partners are in regular dialogue with the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and state officials regarding our recommendations for protecting whales and other wildlife. We submit comments at every relevant opportunity and organize meetings to bring the latest science and data to those making decisions about all offshore energy development. We also work at the state level to ensure adequate consideration of wildlife and habitat as states navigate challenges in bringing offshore wind power to shore through state waters and sensitive coastal areas.

Questions about activities in your state or specific project proposals?

We’d love to fill you in on the details! Send us an email with questions, concerns, or to get involved.

What can we do to help offshore wind power move forward?

We are confident that offshore wind power can be among the most wildlife-friendly sources of energy available to us – at a time when cleaning up our energy sector has never been more urgent. It has a long way to go and needs all the support it can get as we chart a pollution-free, responsible energy future. We hope you’ll join us in calling on leaders at the city, state, and federal levels to set bold goals for offshore wind power and enact the policies needed to meet them. NWF is closely engaged all along the coast and are always looking for help raising the volume of our call to action. We hope you’ll join us!

Call on your governor to support offshore wind power!

TAKE ACTION NOW

Here are three reasons why 2016 was the best year ever for American offshore wind power, and why we are so optimistic about what’s possible in 2017:

1. America’s First Offshore Wind Turbines are Online!

Last week, the Block Island Wind Farm began producing power off the coast of Rhode Island. With this historic milestone, we have joined the 14 other countries around the world already tapping into the booming global offshore wind industry that supports over 75,000 jobs. Over 300 local workers built this landmark 30 megawatt (MW) project which is now providing clean power to over 17,000 homes. Check out this first-hand account from a recent tour of the project that NWF hosted for over 100 labor and economic development leaders, showcasing the incredible story of America’s debut project.

The Block Island Wind Farm serves as a shining model of what is possible, why it is worth reaching for, and how to ensure all voices are heard in the pursuit of this game-changing clean energy solution. Most importantly to the National Wildlife Federation, the Block Island Wind Farm has proven that offshore wind power can be a very wildlife-friendly energy source when sited and constructed with strong environmental protections in place. NWF has always held tight to the conviction that the U.S. offshore wind industry needs to model responsible development right from the start, and we worked directly with project developer Deepwater Wind to protect endangered North Atlantic right whales every step of the way.

2. Massachusetts Took Historic Action to Launch Offshore Wind Power

The Block Island Wind Farm is America’s first offshore wind project, but if we are to benefit from the many economic and environmental benefits of offshore wind power, it cannot be the last. In order to truly launch a U.S. offshore wind industry, we need our state leaders to embrace offshore wind power as a pillar of their energy future. NWF is working along the coast to help make that happen, and we achieved a pivotal victory this summer as Massachusetts made history with the largest-ever state commitment to offshore wind power. Republican Governor Charlie Baker signed a bill that requires the Commonwealth to produce 1,600 MW of electricity from offshore wind – enough to power over a half million homes and establish the largest offshore wind market in the country.

Shortly after Governor Baker signed the energy bill into law, all three project developers with leases in New England signed an agreement to use the Marine Commerce Terminal in New Bedford moving forward. In the coming years, the Commonwealth could support thousands of new local jobs, increase the portion of energy dollars that stays in-state, stabilize electric rates, and ensure a large-scale supply of pollution-free energy.

3. The Stars Are Aligned for Big Progress in New York

With the first turbines in the water and the largest state commitment on the books, we are well on our way to launching American offshore wind power. But that’s not the end of the story!  Last week, we saw a historic investment in the U.S. offshore wind market – over $40 million – as the major energy company Statoil purchased a lease for wind energy development off the coast of New York. The State of New York has been clear that offshore wind power is essential for meeting Governor Cuomo’s goal of 50% renewable energy by 2030, and this very competitive lease sale demonstrated record-setting industry interest in the massive economic opportunity off our shores.

And there’s still more! Just this week, following the largest pro-offshore wind rally in New York, the Long Island Power Authority affirmed that they are weeks away from finalizing a contract for a 90 MW project – 3 times the size of the Block Island Wind Farm – which will be America’s second and largest offshore wind project.

Let’s Keep It Up!

This momentum for offshore wind power in 2016 is great news for wildlife and all of us who need clean air, clean water, and a sustainable climate. And it makes economic sense as well. Overseas, the cost of offshore wind power has dropped so dramatically that it is now competitive with virtually every other form of energy, including fossil fuels. This is the opportunity before us – a massive, clean, affordable, job-creating new source of energy to power our economy. America will not get there overnight, but with continued leadership we can reach these extremely competitive prices within a decade.

2016’s historic progress in pursuit of offshore wind power for America would not have been possible without the active engagement of NWF’s supporters, partners, and allies across all sectors. We have got to keep the pressure on and ensure that our leaders continue to take clear and decisive steps forward to advance American offshore wind power. We have the wind at our backs and, together, we can make even greater progress in 2017!

Take ActionCall on your Governor to reach for the clean energy potential far off our shores!

From earning unanimous approval from state officials in 2014, to achieving full financing in 2015, to putting hundreds of Rhode Islanders to work on the project – including building the first U.S.-flagged offshore wind power crew transfer vessel – to finally putting steel in the water in 2015 to kick off a new energy chapter in America, Deepwater Wind has blazed the trail and created a shining national model for offshore wind development in America. With strong measures in place to protect wildlife including the endangered North Atlantic right whale every step of the way, the Block Island Wind Farm demonstrates that offshore wind development can be compatible with ocean conservation. The National Wildlife Federation proudly points to the success of the Block Island Wind Farm as clear evidence that a truly responsible energy future is possible.

With a new energy policy on the books in Massachusetts equipped to finally launch a robust offshore wind power industry, there is no doubt that the Block Island Wind Farm can be the start of something big. We are witnessing America reach for the incredible clean energy potential off our shores, and now we can begin to catch up with other countries around the world that are 25 years ahead of us in tapping into this booming global industry.

The swift and responsible development of offshore wind power can and must help us onto an energy path that responds to the urgent threat of climate change. Now is the moment for our state leaders along the coast to step confidently onto that path.

Take ActionCall on your Governor to help make offshore wind power a pillar of America’s energy future!

A new clean energy chapter for America is beginning that will create tens of thousands of jobs while protecting our wildlife and communities from the dangers of climate change. As a strong advocate for responsibly developed offshore wind power, the National Wildlife Federation is actively working with our affiliates and partners along the coast to inspire state leaders to seize this golden opportunity far off our shores – and we are making big progress.

A Big Week

There has never been a bigger week in America’s pursuit of offshore wind power.

First, America has our first offshore wind turbine! On August 4, 2016, the first turbine was assembled at the Block Island Wind Farm. Over the next few weeks, the project will be completed and 5 majestic turbines will be spinning off our shores – producing 30 megawatts (MW) of clean power that will entirely power Block Island and send surplus electricity up to the mainland.

This incredible success story is the result of visionary leadership over many years from state, local and federal officials, countless stakeholders, and of course, Deepwater Wind – the project developer that worked so hard to ensure that America’s first offshore wind project is a shining example of development done right. With comprehensive ocean planning as the foundation, and strong protocols in place to ensure that wildlife like the endangered North Atlantic right whale are protected as the project develops, the Block Island Wind Farm is a true success story for both wildlife and clean energy.

But that’s not all

On August 8^th, 2016, Massachusetts’ leaders made history with the largest-ever state commitment to offshore wind power. A visionary bill was signed by Governor Baker that requires the Commonwealth to produce 1,600 MW of electricity from offshore wind – enough to power over a half million homes and establish the largest offshore wind market in the country. This new policy is precisely what’s needed to attract the attention and investment of the booming global industry to finally jump-start offshore wind power this side of the Atlantic. All eyes are now on the Governor to implement the law and unleash the many environmental and economic benefits offshore wind power can deliver. Join us in holding Governor Baker to his commitment!

And there’s more. A major opportunity for offshore wind power has opened up in New York. New York State just finalized a Clean Energy Standard, requiring 50% of the state’s electricity to come from renewable sources by 2030. There is simply no way New York can meet this laudable goal without tapping its massive offshore wind resource.

While the final Clean Energy Standard did not include the specific offshore wind provisions called for by NWF and our coalition partners, the New York State Research and Development Authority is expected to release an Offshore Wind Master Plan this summer to clarify New York’s plan for launching offshore wind power. Just last month, Governor Cuomo publicly expressed support for the Long Island Power Authority’s plans to approve a 90 MW offshore wind project – an important first step in building the long term, large scale offshore wind program needed to meet New York’s 50% renewable energy goal.

Help us ensure that the Block Island Wind Farm is just the beginning! 

America’s next energy chapter has begun, and it is off to a great start. But there is much work left to do to ensure American offshore wind power reaches its full potential. Please join us in calling on our state leaders along the coast to make visionary commitments to responsibly developed offshore wind power.

We need bold leadership today to build a clean energy future for wildlife.

Take ActionUrge your Governor to lead on offshore wind power!

Governor Raimondo stood on a stage at the Port of Providence, alongside Deepwater Wind CEO Jeff Grybowski and Board Chairman Bryan Martin, in 90-degree heat, with an unprecedented backdrop: 15 blades – each 241 feet long and weighing 29 tons – ready to complete the Block Island Wind Farm and generate enough clean local energy for 17,000 homes.

Offshore wind power has been a sorely missed opportunity here in the U.S., despite the fact that this booming global industry has been producing clean power (and supporting tens of thousands of jobs) for over 20 years. The political challenges of launching something so massive, of recognizing the value of investing in infrastructure and expertise, has kept the potential of U.S. offshore wind power at bay for far too long. America’s Atlantic Coast is home to a world-class offshore wind resource, largely accessible with commercially available technology.  For more than a decade, developers and clean energy advocates have been working to shine a light on the transformational environmental and economic benefits this abundant power source can deliver.

Arguably, nothing will make the case stronger than finally having five of the world’s largest and most advanced offshore wind turbines spinning off our shores. The Block Island Wind Farm will meet all of Block Island, RI’s needs with just 10 percent of the power it generates. The rest will go to the mainland with a bi-directional cable connecting Block Island to the mainland for the first time ever. And perhaps the most important part of this story is what the project will be replacing: an old, polluting diesel generator that requires a million gallons of diesel fuel to be ferried to Block Island every year. And because the current arrangement is hardly economical, the Block Island Wind Farm will reduce local electric rates by approximately 40 percent.

The Big Picture

Excitement filled the air in Providence. Not just because America’s first offshore wind power project felt more real than ever, but because it is happening along with a palpable wave of momentum for offshore wind power throughout the Northeast region. The Block Island Wind Farm is a historic milestone for America: getting a project built, demonstrating that it can be done, and modeling how to do it right for wildlife and communities affected by the project.

This week, the Massachusetts legislature is moving toward passage of the nation’s largest commitment to offshore wind power — a scale that can drive down the cost of the technology, create thousands of local jobs, replace retiring coal-fired and nuclear power plants, and help protect wildlife and communities from the threat of climate change. And just last month, a lease auction was announced for 81,000 acres of federal waters off the coast of New York, designated for offshore wind development.

“Massachusetts and New York have finally woken up… This industry is about to take off.” – Deepwater Wind CEO Jeff Grybowski

Responsibly developed offshore wind power has the potential to be a major pillar of our energy future. The Block Island Wind Farm must be the start of a new era, and there is good reason to believe that it will be. We need to ensure this success story is told from coast to coast, that it serves as a model for scaling up clean energy offshore and powering our dense, strained coastal energy markets.

Now is the moment to speak up. It’s working! Together, we are charting a cleaner path forward for wildlife, wild places, and future generations.

Take ActionUrge your Governor to lead on offshore wind power!

This will be a tough Earth Day to top. Historic clean energy progress, celebrated on a sunny dock in the Ocean State marks a preview of what’s to come along the coast. It’s an inspiring reminder that offshore wind power is worth fighting for — and that it’s working.

Deepwater Wind’s “Journey to First” – the several year-long endeavor of building the nation’s first offshore wind power project – crossed yet another milestone today. As part of the Providence-based developer’s commitment to building as much of its project as possible in Rhode Island, they commissioned a family-owned Rhode Island company to build the project’s crew transfer vessel, the Atlantic Pioneer. Today, Rhode Islanders gathered to celebrate the boat’s christening and all that it represents.

I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Earth Day. We are pioneers. As the Governor, I am bursting with pride.

– RI Governor Gina Raimondo

A True Atlantic Pioneer

For 25 years, European leaders have embraced and advanced the capabilities of offshore wind power technology. But no one has been able to crack the code on this side of the Atlantic. The U.S. Atlantic Coast is home to a world-class offshore wind resource, but it has lacked the right combination of multi-level political will to get off the ground – until now. Following years of stakeholder engagement and trailblazing ocean planning work, the Block Island Wind Farm will be up and running by the end of this year.

As the first of its kind on the map, this project has sparked many firsts. It’s been a demonstration of what will be required to reach the next clean energy frontier and, with visionary leaders, just how within reach it is. The Atlantic Pioneer will be operated by Rhode Island Fast Ferry and will continue employing Rhode Islanders for decades to come. As Senator Whitehouse proclaimed on the dock in Quonset, RI today, with the new vessel behind him: “This is the Jobs Boat. You wouldn’t have built this boat if we didn’t have steel in the water.”

The Block Island story is the start of something new. We at National Wildlife Federation are working to ensure it’s also the start of something big. Massachusetts is poised to launch the offshore wind industry to the next level as the legislature considers an energy bill that could unleash massive development far offshore. New York and New Jersey are close behind with ripe opportunities to get in the game.

Large-scale clean energy solutions are critical to protecting coastal communities, wildlife, and wild places from the dangers of climate change. Offshore wind power remains America’s largest untapped clean energy opportunity. Now is our moment to change that – and to welcome the thousands of high-quality local jobs it will deliver.

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Help NWF and its Northeast Regional Center work to advance responsibly developed clean energy solutions like offshore wind power to protect wildlife from the impacts of climate change.

In the early days of their project, Deepwater Wind made a promise to Rhode Islanders that the Block Island Wind Farm, which broke ground last month, would be a source of pride and enduring reward for the Ocean State. They promised to hear from community members, and to survey, site, and build the project with the highest standards of wildlife protection in place every step of the way. They promised to do as much as possible to put Rhode Islanders to work building the nation’s first offshore wind power project.

The ceremony drew U.S. Senators Reed and Whitehouse, Rep. Langevin, RI Commerce Secretary Pryor, several state and local officials, and local supporters of the project. Rhode Island pride filled the air: pride in the success of a true public-private partnership, pride in Rhode Island businesses supporting one another, and pride in the tangible product of such collaboration.

“We plan on being the most experienced wind farm support company in the country.” – Charlie Donadio, President, Rhode Island Fast Ferry

With more than 80 offshore wind farms up and running in Europe and a world-class (yet untapped) offshore wind resource off the U.S. Atlantic Coast, there is ample reason to believe that the Block Island Wind Farm will be the start of a booming national energy industry.

“This is truly a vessel to the future.” – RI Commerce Secretary Stefan Pryor

Three companies hold leases to large areas for offshore wind development far off of southern New England– areas with the potential to provide clean, home-grown offshore wind power to millions of homes and businesses throughout New England and New York. A recently introduced state policy in Massachusetts could clear the way for construction to begin in those larger areas in the near future.

“There are many opportunities for the Ocean State to be a driving force in this new American industry.” – Deepwater Wind CEO Jeff Grybowski

There was a beautiful seamlessness to today’s event. The nod to Rhode Island’s history as a leader in marine industries chimed the bells of tradition while marking the launch of something refreshingly new and endlessly important. Now, let’s spread the word and inspire every coastal state to reach for their potential and write their own version of this story.

Let your leaders know you support a robust offshore wind power industry for America!