BOEM Finalizes Clear, Practical Environmental Impact Statement for Offshore Vineyard Wind Project

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) released its Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the Vineyard Wind project today, setting up a workable framework for Massachusetts’ first offshore wind farm and establishing a proven model for other offshore wind energy developments along the East Coast to replicate. 

The Sierra Club commends BOEM for their work to complete the Environmental Impact Statement. We also fully support the Biden Administration’s commitment to double down on responsible offshore wind development. The East Coast has a massive untapped offshore wind resource and is within reach of densely populated areas where energy demands are high and new resource options are few. The offshore wind industry could create 83,000 jobs by 2030 and deliver $25 billion in annual economic input by that same year. 

In response, Mary Anne Hitt, Director of National Campaigns, released the following statement: 

“Clear, practical, and repeatable standards and guidance are essential for the offshore wind industry’s success, and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has just provided that for Massachusetts’ first major offshore wind farm. We applaud the Biden administration’s  commitment to responsibly develop offshore wind and give ocean going renewable energy development a chance in America’s diversifying electricity markets. 

“Our country has a real opportunity along its coasts to produce low cost, safe energy that will provide living wage jobs, invest in local communities, and combat the climate crisis, while also protecting our ocean ecosystems. The Bureau’s decision today will go a long way in turning these opportunities into a reality from Maine to Florida.”