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Offshore Wind Energy

 

OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY

Offshore wind energy refers to the use of wind turbines in the ocean or large freshwater areas to generate electricity. A group of interconnected wind turbines is referred to as a wind farm. As the U.S. seeks to develop renewable, homegrown and cost-effective energy sources, we’ve seen a surge in proposed offshore wind energy projects.

 

As of October 2018, there is only one operating offshore wind farm in the U.S., but there are many new wind energy projects being proposed, ranging in size from four to 100 turbines each. As this industry expands, it’s important to understand both the benefits and negative impacts that offshore wind farms can have on our marine environment, coastal economies and recreational use areas.

 

Put simply, because of the dangerous threats to our coast from climate change, the Surfrider Foundation supports offshore wind energy development if it is done right.

Given that offshore wind is such a new technology, offshore wind development projects are evaluated on a case-by-case basis by Surfrider’s network of chapters. Surfrider Foundation’s Eastern Long Island Chapter actively seeks to communicate scientific information to the community to educate about offshore wind development.

SURFRIDER WIND POLICIES AND PRINCIPLES

  • The Surfrider Foundation believes that the following principles must be applied when evaluating or planning for potential offshore wind projects.
  • Developer avoids and mitigates negative local and regional impacts to wildlife, habitat, and physical oceanography; and tracks impacts by using best available science, frequent monitoring and baseline data
  • Wind farm design ensures public safety, maintains access for ocean recreation opportunities and considers existing uses of the project area
  • Development of the wind farm includes meaningful community input, ensures transparency and uses comprehensive planning and regional data portals
  • The wind farm operator employs adaptive management, incorporates new information and proceeds incrementally and cautiously to mitigate cumulative impacts

Learn more about the impacts and opportunities for wind energy at: GO.SURFRIDER.ORG/OFFSHORE-RENEWABLES

Offshore wind can be a very complicated, controversial, and confusing topic to those trying to get educated. If you are interested in learning more about the process by which a wind project gets approved, watch this 45-minute webinar about Offshore Wind given by Matt Gove, Surfrider Foundation’s Mid-Atlantic Policy Manager.

THE SOUTH FORK WIND FARM: DEEPWATER WIND

In Eastern Long Island, Surfrider has been very engaged in the conversation regarding the South Fork Wind Farm. Surfrider is not affiliated with this offshore wind farm proposal, but due to the project’s potential to directly impact nearby coastlines and coastal communities, Surfrider developed this list of common inquiries. Answers were assembled by Surfrider staff with help from experts on coastal resources and offshore wind energy. South Fork Wind Farm Frequently Asked Questions (17p)

If you are interested in educating members in your community about offshore wind, download Surfrider’s Offshore Wind Two-Pager. 

If you have additional questions, please contact Andy Brosnan (chair@easternli.surfrider.org) or Matt Govee (mgove@surfrider.org).

TO: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management

RE: Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for Deepwater Wind South Fork LLC’s Proposed Wind Energy Facility Offshore Rhode Island and Massachusetts