ELM Statement on Passage of Comprehensive Offshore Wind Bill for Maine

BOSTON — July 27, 2023 — Maine Gov. Janet Mills today signed a game-changing offshore wind bill that will help the state and the region deploy responsibly developed clean energy resources in the Gulf of Maine to meet critical climate goals. 

An Act Regarding the Procurement of Energy from Offshore Wind Resources (LD 1895) will establish a mandate for the procurement of 3 GW of offshore wind power in the Gulf of Maine by 2040 and support creation of an offshore wind port in Maine.  

“The Environmental League of Massachusetts is thrilled to see the passage of strong offshore wind legislation in the state of Maine and offer congratulations to our friends to the north who worked so hard to get it across the finish line. Responsibly developed offshore wind is a critical resource in our fight against climate change, and it is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the New England region as we transition to a clean energy economy due to its vast potential to provide high-quality, family-sustaining jobs. The passage of this law signals an opportunity for the states to work together as we work to harness this renewable energy resource in the Gulf of Maine. We look forward to working across states to make this promise a reality,” said Susannah Hatch, Director of Clean Energy Policy at the Environmental League of Massachusetts, and Regional Lead for New England for Offshore Wind. 

Background 

An Act Regarding the Procurement of Energy from Offshore Wind Resources reflects recommendations made in the Maine Offshore Wind Roadmap, and 18-month initiative that brought together constituents from state agencies, municipalities, educational institutions, advocacy organizations, industry associations and businesses along with public input. It features five central objectives, each with its own set of strategies and actions. Each objective would help set a pathway for building an offshore wind sector in the state that creates equitable economic advantage, helps reduce carbon emissions and secure more stable energy prices, fosters innovative technologies, supports existing coastal economics and protects wildlife and the environment. 

About ELM 

The Environmental League of Massachusetts (EnvironmentalLeague.org) advocates for policy that meets the scale and urgency of our environmental challenges. ELM is a founding member of New England for Offshore Wind (@NE4OSW), a broad-based coalition of environmental organizations, businesses and associations, academic institutions, and labor unions committed to combatting climate change by increasing the supply of clean energy to our regional grid through more procurements of responsibly developed offshore wind.