Washington, D.C.— Today, the Department of the Interior’s announcement of a five-year leasing schedule for offshore wind and its Renewable Energy Modernization Rule, as well as the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Offshore Wind Liftoff Report and $48 million in offshore wind research and development funding. In response, the League of Conservation Voters (LCV), Maine Conservation Voters (MCV), Maryland League of Conservation Voters (MDLCV), New York League of Conservation Voters (NYLCV), and Virginia League of Conservation Voters (VALCV) issued the following statements:

“Just last month, the Biden-Harris administration’s leadership led to offshore wind’s biggest month ever.  Now this Earth Week, we are thrilled to see the administration’s continued commitment to responsibly and rapidly growing a clean energy future for all,” said LCV Senior Government Affairs Advocate David Shadburn. “By announcing a five-year leasing schedule for offshore wind and modernizing outdated regulations, the Biden-Harris administration is making it easier for clean energy companies to bid for offshore wind leases by creating predictability for the industry and lowering compliance costs that can be invested back into rapidly deploying this technology. This administration is championing environmental leadership actions alongside its commitments to comprehensive environmental reviews and engaging with Tribes, communities, and other ocean users throughout the leasing process. Today’s substantial investment in offshore wind research and development is critical to creating a more equitable clean energy economy.”

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“Offshore wind is the single biggest lever we can pull to reduce our emissions, address the climate crisis, meet our energy needs, and grow our economy simultaneously,” said Maine Conservation Voters Climate and Clean Energy Director and New England for Offshore Wind (NE4OSW) Maine State Lead Lucy Hochschartner. “The Maine State Committee of NE4OSW and our Maine partners represent an  unprecedented coalition of environmental advocates, labor leaders, and community members committed to the responsible development of offshore wind in the Gulf of Maine, and today’s announcement brings us one step closer.”

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“Offshore wind is an important piece of the puzzle when it comes to meeting our climate goals and creating a thriving clean energy economy,” said Maryland League of Conservation Voters Executive Director Kim Coble. “Today’s announcement from the Department of the Interior helps plot the course for harnessing more clean energy. Maryland LCV is committed to advancing policies and projects that support the responsible growth of our offshore wind industry.”

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“If we are going to stem the tide of the climate crisis we need to vastly increase the amount of renewable energy being developed,” said New York League of Conservation Voters President Julie Tighe. “A huge component of that is offshore wind, and a larger leasing area in New York is critical to meeting our long-term climate goals. We applaud the Biden Administration and the Department of the Interior for providing a leasing schedule and updated regulations to match the urgency of the moment and allow this burgeoning industry to realize its full potential.”

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“With construction of the nation’s largest offshore wind farm now getting underway off Virginia’s coast, today’s announcement shows that hopefully this is just the start of a thriving renewable energy industry here in the Commonwealth for years to come,” said Virginia League of Conservation Voters Deputy Director Lee Francis. “As we work toward a 100% clean energy future, offshore wind will be critical in meeting our climate goals while also growing our economy and creating good-paying jobs here in Virginia.”

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