AUGUSTA, ME – Today, the Maine Governor’s Energy Office released its final Offshore Wind Roadmap. After 18 months of collaborative stakeholder-driven work, the Roadmap represents a plan to responsibly and equitably develop floating offshore wind in the Gulf of Maine and make progress towards the Governor’s goal of 100% clean energy by 2040.
This plan sets the stage for an industry that will coexist with other ocean users and marine life, making the most of the climate, renewable energy, workforce development, and economic opportunities associated with offshore wind – while minimizing impacts on fishing and wildlife. The Roadmap was developed with extensive public input and benefitted from the expertise of several issue-specific working groups.
The Roadmap includes commitments to environmental monitoring and mitigation, consistent collaboration with the fishing industry, and the creation of a floating offshore wind innovation hub to make the most of ongoing technological developments. The University of Maine’s offshore wind program is contributing key research, keeping Maine at the forefront of the field.
Will Sedlack, Maine Conservation Voters’ Political Director and member of the Roadmap Advisory Committee and Energy Markets and Strategies Working Group, issued the following statement:
“With some of the strongest winds in the world, the Gulf of Maine is uniquely positioned to contribute to fighting climate change and reducing our dependence on costly foreign oil and natural gas by harnessing clean, renewable offshore wind energy. The Roadmap represents an all hands on deck moment for Maine to seize this historic opportunity. It sets the stage for Maine to responsibly develop offshore wind in a way that benefits our economy and communities while showing care towards other ocean users and the marine life that thrives off our coast. MCV commends the Roadmap’s specific references to organized labor as a key player in the equitable buildout of the offshore wind industry and to the deep outreach and consultation that will be required to ensure that Maine’s most vulnerable communities benefit from this emerging industry.”
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