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.

Yellow mining trucks moving along a dusty quarry road while working an open pit coal mine.
Credit: Parilov/BigStock Photo ID: 384977978

Coal and gas avoiding stricter laws by expanding existing mines, Australian Climate Council warns

The Climate Council says coal and gas mines are using a "loophole" to expand operations and add new emissions.

Henry Waxman explaining his global warming bill H.R. 2454 at UCLA Los Angeles
Credit: joeygil/BigStock Photo ID: 5820123

IPCC is under pressure to delay publication of key global climate report

AR7 report was scheduled for 2028 in time for Cop33 summit but some petro-states and major developing countries want to postpone it.

A green-colored electric bus in downtown Minneapolis advertising "Go GREENER"
Credit: stevieg/BigStock Photo ID: 2716619

Europe's public transport: A data-driven green reality check

Greener buses and cleaner fleets are reshaping public transport. But are cities moving fast enough to meet their zero-emission goals?

Solar panels juxtaposed against transmission lines and wind turbines
Credit: kckate16/ BigStock Photo ID: 478351339

With scaled-back plans, green banks navigate Trump’s funding freeze

Green banks enabled $12.4 billion in hard-to-finance clean energy and climate projects in 2024 and 2025.

A nurse holding a blood pressure gauge while taking a patient's blood pressure
Credit: Ahmed/Unsplash+

MaineHealth Pen Bay and Waldo Hospitals earn national recognition with 2026 Greenhealth Champion Award

To qualify, organizations must report greenhouse gas emissions data and demonstrate progress in areas such as waste reduction, energy efficiency, emissions management and resource conservation.

A view of a hospital corridor with two nurses wheeling a patient toward a room

What happens to healthcare in extreme heat?

Stories from inside Europe’s overheating healthcare settings — and exploring what facilities and policymakers can do to prepare them for the changing climate.

An overhead view of a plate of plant based meatballs and tomatoes on pizza dough

Fitness influencers make the case for plant-based protein

Advocates say eating more plants could benefit athletes' health while also reducing the climate impact of their diets.
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.