The BlueGreen Alliance, in partnership with Heinrich Böll Stiftung North America, launched a multi-state tour to highlight the potential of offshore wind along the Atlantic Coast, specifically in Maryland and New York.
The domestic offshore wind industry has obstacles to overcome, but has shown significant potential to power millions of American homes and businesses. Germany’s success launching their offshore wind industry should serve as model for the United States. Offshore wind can expand clean energy generation from Maine to Florida and create economic revitalization across the country.
Tour participants included Dr. Joachim Lohse, Senator for the Environment, Construction and Transportation of the City-State of Bremen; Michael Williams, BlueGreen Alliance Senior Policy and Legislative Advocate; Andreas Marcotty, BlueGreen Alliance Legislative and Policy Aide; and Catherine Bowes, National Wildlife Federation Senior Manager, New Energy Solutions.
“Offshore wind energy is an investment in a brighter economic future,” said Dr. Lohse. “Engaging in this dialogue is an important way to ensure that offshore wind energy, and the thousands of jobs needed to bring it online, becomes a reality not only in Germany, but also for America.”
The tour kicked off in Washington, D.C. with a bipartisan, bicameral Congressional briefing hosted by Senator Carper (D-DE), Senator Snowe (R-ME) and the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition Caucus. The event highlighted the German experience that an investment in offshore wind provides significant economic development results and called for a stronger domestic focus on job-creating clean energy policy solutions.
“The best course for America’s energy future is one that includes offshore wind. It’s necessary to prioritize the opportunities that have the greatest job creation potential,” said Michael Williams from BlueGreen Alliance. “Harnessing the abundant wind resources off of the Atlantic coast will require thousands of high-quality American jobs across a broad supply chain that are sorely needed during these difficult economic times.”
Other stops on the tour included meetings with key stakeholders in state and local governments in Annapolis, Maryland and Albany, New York.
“Offshore wind energy presents a tremendous opportunity for America to make our energy supply cleaner, more wildlife-friendly, and more secure.” said Catherine Bowes from National Wildlife Federation. “Clean energy investments are vital for making offshore wind energy a reality for America.”
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Press release, November 16, 2012