Southern New England leaders double down on growing offshore wind industry

(WJAR) — The future of the offshore wind industry is uncertain as a new administration is about to move into the Oval Office.
Despite the new leadership, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey continues to share optimism.
“Now the offshore wind has faced its setbacks over the years, but make no mistake about it we continue to make progress,” said Gov. Healey.

Climate Jobs coalitions from Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island came together in Taunton Tuesday, calling on the region to double down on offshore wind.
The group unveiled a report exploring how states can do more to reduce emissions, meet increasing energy demand and protect ratepayers.
They said a robust, worker-centered offshore wind industry allows Southern New England to address major issues of climate change and inequality.
“When we put our local union people, and we put our energy infrastructure together we’re able to get wins for workers and get wins for our environment,” said Chrissy Lynch, the president of Massachusetts AFL-CIO.

But despite those findings – not everyone’s all in on wind.
The industry faces criticism from various groups, including the fishing industry and those who question the overall safety of wind farms.
A few months ago, a broken wind turbine fell into the ocean off Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. Dangerous debris was washing up on beaches for weeks after.
Despite the controversy, industry leaders in Southern New England said the weaknesses can be strengthened.
“That’s the importance of getting this stuff made here in America ideally made here in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, we have a strong manufacturing base here we want this stuff being produced in Massachusetts in America to make sure it meets our high standards in our part of the world,” continued Lynch.

But now another challenge hangs over the industry.
President-elect Trump has vowed to kill all offshore wind projects, but union leaders in Southern New England said they’re not worried.
“We hope there’s not going to be any job losses, because thousands of people in Rhode Island and Massachusetts are earning good jobs and wages from working offshore wind, it would be a shame to stop that progress,” said Patrick Crowley the President of Rhode Island AFL-CIO.