Christine Ho, christine.ho@sierraclub.org
Washington, D.C. - The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has rescinded all designated wind areas on the outer continental shelf. Over 3.5 million acres of public waters that had gone through a thorough vetting and approval process to be leased for offshore wind projects are no longer eligible for federal leases.
Currently, wind energy provides 10 percent of the United State’s energy mix and employs over 130,000 workers. Offshore wind has the potential to support even more stable jobs and power millions more homes with clean, renewable energy.
In response, Sierra Club Deputy Legislative Director for Clean Energy and Electrification Xavier Boatright released the following statement:
“The Trump administration’s relentless obstruction of wind energy is clear evidence that they do not care about creating affordable and reliable energy for everyday Americans. Offshore wind is a readily available option to power millions of homes, create thousands of jobs for Americans, and achieve energy independence. It’s time for Donald Trump and his administration to get their heads out of the sand and face the facts: renewable energy is cheaper, more resilient, and safer. No matter how much they want to bolster their buddies in the dirty fossil fuel industry, we will continue to push for the cleaner, healthier, and greener future we deserve.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.