(Photo credit: Nantucket Magazine, September 2024)
The Massachusetts Interagency Offshore Wind Council (IOWC) is tasked by the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, to “advance the responsible development and operation of offshore wind to meet our ambitious climate goals through coordination and input from stakeholders and communities.” They will be hosting online public meetings on the draft Offshore Wind Strategic Plan’s recommendations, including the strategies and actions to achieve the Plan’s goals. On Wednesday, September 4th a public comment period begins, and on Wednesday, September 11th and Thursday September 12th, IOWC is holding two virtual public information meetings with time for public comment:
September Public Information Meetings and Comment Period:
- September 4: Comment Period Begins
- September 11: Public Information Meeting – 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- September 12: Public Information Meeting – 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
September 18 by 5:00 p.m.: Comment Deadline
The IOWC is also accepting written comments through 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 18. Send written comments here: [email protected]
As they state, “The purpose of these public information meetings will be for interested parties to learn about the progress of the IOWC, outreach efforts to date, draft Strategic Plan recommendations, and timeline for completion. There will also be an opportunity for brief public comments (2-3 minutes per person).” You must register to access these meetings. You can do that here (https://vhb.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_VH8UTKuWSimJBYILS9zjGQ).
The IOWC is responsible for developing an Offshore Wind Strategic Plan. “The Strategic Plan: (1) will assess and describe the current status of the offshore wind industry in the Commonwealth and the region, existing legal and policy frameworks, and progress to date; (2) identify key drivers, gaps and needs, and findings relating to offshore wind development; and (3) lay out a long-term vision for offshore wind and recommend specific actions and strategies necessary to advance offshore wind by 2040.”
It's important that you voice your concerns because if they hear no opposition, they will continue to insist there is none. There are many reasons to question the full court press being used to rapidly develop offshore wind off our coast. You don’t need to be a policy expert to weigh in, as everyday taxpayers are the ones paying for this new expensive energy source. Ultimately, this project is not about fighting climate change as the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management BOEM has already stated that Vineyard Wind 1 project will have negligible effects on climate change, it’s about paying more to feel good and enriching a certain energy sector.