Uncovering the newly formed alliance between New England's wind opposers and President Trump
In the realm of offshore wind energy, a new player has emerged, stirring up controversy and raising questions about the future of clean energy in the United States. Green Oceans, a nonprofit organization founded by coastal residents in Rhode Island and Massachusetts in 2022, has made headlines for its opposition to projects like the Revolution Wind offshore project.
The organization, led by President Lisa Quattrocki Knight, has gained attention for its stance against offshore wind projects that are poorly sited, citing concerns about marine life, intermittency, and the costs of decommissioning projects. Quattrocki Knight, a self-proclaimed 'very liberal Democrat,' has been vocal in her opposition to projects like Revolution Wind, which she believes threaten the marine environment.
Green Oceans' efforts have not gone unnoticed. The organization has secured meetings with senior officials in the Trump administration, and its report, titled 'Cancelling Offshore Wind Leases,' has been met with controversy. The report, written by Planet A* Strategies, states that there is no evidence that substituting reliable fossil fuel capacity with intermittent offshore wind will have any positive effect on climate change outcomes.
The report also includes a section on national security concerns with offshore wind projects. This is a point that has been raised by the Trump administration in the past as a reason to halt construction of offshore projects.
Green Oceans' lawyers, the Marzullas, have been actively involved in lawsuits against offshore wind projects. They are currently working on lawsuits against Revolution Wind and South Fork Wind. The developers of Revolution Wind, a venture of Danish energy company Ørsted and BlackRock, have sued the administration after it ordered construction on the project to come to a halt.
Green Oceans' budget of half a million dollars and its connections to national anti-wind energy organizations have raised eyebrows. However, it's important to note that Green Oceans has no fossil fuel funding. The organization aims to influence U.S. federal government policy to support and promote the development of offshore wind energy as a sustainable marine resource, aligning with ecological conservation goals to protect ocean health and biodiversity.
Green Oceans has also praised North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum for his efforts to preserve the environment, protect fisheries, and adopt a 'commonsense approach to energy.' This seemingly contradictory stance could indicate a nuanced approach to energy policy, one that balances the need for clean energy with concerns about the environment and the marine ecosystem.
As the debate over offshore wind energy continues, Green Oceans will undoubtedly remain a key player. The organization's legal recommendations for canceling project permits have been reflected in federal policy announcements, highlighting its influence in the realm of energy policy. The future of offshore wind energy in the United States remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Green Oceans is here to stay.
