For Immediate Release

April 30, 2024

Contact: Eric Nelson, enelson@lcv.org

LCV, MCV, and OLCV Statements on New Offshore Wind Proposals

Washington, D.C.— Today, the Department of the Interior announced two proposals for offshore wind energy auctions off the coast of Oregon and the Gulf of Maine to meet the regions’ clean energy goals. Combined, the respective projects have the potential to power more than 6 million homes. In response, the League of Conservation Voters (LCV), Maine Conservation Voters (MCV), and Oregon League of Conservation Voters (OLCV) issued the following statements:

“LCV applauds the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to work in partnership with Tribes, local communities, and stakeholders to ensure the equitable deployment of offshore wind through the creation of community benefits and good-paying union jobs,” said LCV Senior Government Affairs Advocate David Shadburn. “Today’s announcements for Maine and Oregon demonstrate that the energy transition is a comprehensive reality that will move us away from fossil fuel reliance and towards a clean energy future, with the opportunity to benefit the residents of over 5 million homes and support displaced energy workers in the process.”

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“After a winter of storm damage and record-breaking temperatures, this summer promises to be one focused on solutions,” said Maine Conservation Voters Climate and Clean Energy Director and New England for Offshore Wind Maine State Lead Lucy Hochschartner. “Today’s proposed sale notice from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is an exciting step toward a future of good jobs and clean energy using the biggest lever we have — offshore wind.”

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“Local communities impacted most by the climate crisis must be centered as we build offshore wind off of Oregon’s coasts, especially Indigenous communities, communities of color, and communities with low wealth, and these announcements from the Biden-Harris administration are a step in the right direction,” said Oregon League of Conservation Voters Executive Director Lindsey Scholten. “During the 2024 session, OLCV helped create and pass an Offshore Wind Roadmap, which will help our state develop a process for offshore wind in Oregon and engage stakeholders while putting us on the path towards a clean energy future. We look forward to these projects benefiting communities with clean energy jobs and lower energy costs.”

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