New England unions call for tripling offshore wind energy goals
Trade unions are urging Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut to target 30 gigawatts of offshore wind power by 2040, citing economic and climate benefits.
Jon Hurdle reports for Inside Climate News.
In short:
- Southern New England trade unions propose increasing offshore wind goals to 30 GW by 2040, three times the current regional goal and enough to meet all regional electricity demand, with plans to double that target by 2050.
- The unions emphasize the need for strong domestic supply chains, port upgrades and a coordinated transmission system to support these goals.
- Rising electricity demand and severe climate impacts in the region drive the push for more offshore wind, alongside federal incentives like the Inflation Reduction Act.
Key quote:
“In order to build a clean energy industry that centers working people and takes on the climate crisis, we need strong labor standards and coordinated regional investments in a domestic supply chain.”
— Pat Crowley, Rhode Island AFL-CIO president.
Why this matters:
Offshore wind offers a critical path for New England to combat climate change and meet energy needs as onshore options become limited. Building this infrastructure can create jobs and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, which currently provide 55% of the energy demands in the region.
Read more: Op-ed: In the race for clean energy, the US is both a leader and a laggard — here’s how
