Massachusetts' offshore wind farm starts powering homes

Vineyard Wind, the first large-scale offshore wind farm in the U.S., has begun supplying power to the Massachusetts grid, marking a significant step in renewable energy.

Steve LeBlanc reports for the Associated Press.


In short:

  • Vineyard Wind's initial five turbines are now operational, providing 68 megawatts of power, enough for about 30,000 homes.
  • The project, when completed, will power more than 400,000 homes and businesses, significantly reducing carbon emissions.
  • Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey highlights this as a pivotal moment in the transition to clean energy.

Key quote:

"Across Massachusetts, in 30,000 homes and businesses, when you turn on the light, you will now be using clean, affordable energy."

— Maura Healey, governor of Massachusetts

Why this matters:

This development moves Massachusetts toward a more sustainable future, possibly impacting national energy policies.

Be sure to read Peter Dykstra's 2022 piece highlighting the historical and ongoing resistance to clean energy initiatives, such as electric vehicles and rooftop solar.

Full disk Earth, Apollo 17, 1972

‘Happiness is not just about GDP’: ambitious plan or utopia?

Some will question its credibility – but the alternative future to the one imagined in the World Justice Report is far more bleak.

Rocky ocean floor with light coming from above.

See what deep-sea mining actually looks like, over 2 miles down

A mining company sent an advanced ship to try to pluck valuable minerals from the deep ocean. Here’s how it worked.
The construction of a warehouse or data center
Credit: ungvar/Big Stock Photo ID: 474261073

Erin Brockovich: Environmentalist vs. the data center boom

Do you know where a data center is due to be constructed in your area? An increasing number of US citizens can answer "yes" — thanks to a map created by Erin Brockovich. DW explains why people need to know.
An aerial view of a large ship moving through green ocean water

Canada-Germany deal shows LNG as a climate solution is ‘false’

B.C. natural gas would replace Russian gas, not coal, which experts say weakens arguments that liquefied natural gas lowers global emissions

A hurricane approaching the southern United States as viewed from space

This swirling gyre spawns storms. How will climate change affect it?

Scientists say climate change is likely to increase rainfall associated with these gyres, but whether warming will make them more frequent or more likely to spawn hurricanes remains uncertain.

A wooden gavel resting on a round pedestal on top of a desk

Louisiana seeks to shield oil industry from climate lawsuits

Legislation that would make Louisiana the fifth state this year to buffer oil and gas companies from climate lawsuits is awaiting the governor’s signature.

A large warehouse under construction with green fields and a town in the distance

AI and data centers leave goliath-sized environmental footprints globally

According to a United Nations University report, the environmental footprint of data centers already rivals some of the world’s largest countries.
From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.