Theres plenty of energy off our coasts. Too bad the Trump Administration is looking the wrong way.

Yesterday was a momentous one for offshore energy, but maybe not in the way that some folks think. Sure, the administration opened up for public comment its plan to offer new offshore oil/gas leases (even if industry might say, Meh). But much more important for our future economyand our planetwas what happened to move US offshore wind forward, the latest in a line of notable recent happenings at home and abroad.

Massachusetts took an important step forward in having the states utilities askwind developers to bid to supply some 400 megawatts of offshore wind capacity, enough to power almost 200,000 Bay State homes. The move, required under the states 2016 energy diversity law, is aimed at bringing in the first tranche of what will eventually be at least 1600 megawatts of offshore wind for those utilities customers.

Its easy to be excited about another step toward adding such a powerful technology to our nations clean energy toolbox. For Massachusetts, getting the state out there looking for solid offshore wind projects and prices in a competitive way is a vital next step.

Economic development means grabbing hold of good, new areas for business and jobs. Were already seeing US industry step up to the plateincluding by readying the type of specialized ships that well need to get those wind turbines where they need to be.

Tackling climate change and protecting our environment means investing in expanding low-carbon energy options in responsible ways. Its telling that yesterdays move has garnered very positive reactions from environmental groups like the National Wildlife Federation and the Conservation Law Foundation (who also produced this great infographic laying out the strong case for offshore wind in New England).

Leadership means not waiting for others to go first.

Yesterdays step keeps Massachusetts firmly in contention when it comes to building a new industry on our shores, making a new carbon-free electricity source a reality, and leading on US offshore wind.

The Massachusetts move is just the latest in all kinds of noteworthy steps for this exciting technology. Heres a sampling:

So, wheres our offshore energy scene headed? Theres a good bet that offshore wind is going to grow to be an important piece of our energy mix. Even the Trump Administration seems to recognize the importance of this powerful new (new to the US) technology.

If were smart, well make sure that happens, and quickly. Our countrys energy future does include offshore. But its wind, not oil.

Posted in: Energy Tags: Clean Energy Momentum, Offshore wind

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Offshore Oil vs. Offshore Wind: Guess Where the Action Really Is ... - Union of Concerned Scientists (blog)