Bianca Sanchez, bianca.sanchez@sierraclub.org
NANTUCKET, Ma. – This week, the town of Nantucket hosted a press conference to share concerns about the Vineyard Wind 1 offshore wind project and demands for Avangrid, the project developer.
Vineyard Wind 1 is already providing power for local homes and businesses. Once construction is completed, the 62 turbines will generate 806 megawatts of electricity and power over 400,000 homes. Vineyard Wind 1 is estimated to save New England $3.7 billion in energy costs over the project’s lifetime.
“We are disappointed in the town of Nantucket's actions but empathize with the community’s concerns and encourage Vineyard Wind to respond constructively,”said Sierra Club Massachusetts Chapter Director Vick Mohanka. “We unequivocally support building more offshore wind as fast as possible. Responsible development – mitigating adverse impacts, delivering community benefits, and being a good neighbor – is key to a just transition that protects workers, communities, and our valuable natural resources."
“We respect that communities like Nantucket want to be heard, but let’s not lose sight of what’s at stake,” added Xavier Boatright, Deputy Legislative Director for Clean Energy and Electrification at the Sierra Club. “Vineyard Wind isn’t just steel in the water, it’s hope on the horizon. Projects like Vineyard Wind are already lowering energy costs, creating high-quality jobs, and helping New England compete in a global clean energy race we can’t afford to lose. The world isn’t waiting, and neither should we. The path forward isn’t to stall progress, it’s to build responsibly, listen carefully, engage meaningfully, and lead boldly.”
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.