After 18 months of collaborative stakeholder-driven work, the Roadmap represents a plan to responsibly and equitably develop floating offshore wind in the Gulf of Maine and make progress towards Governor Mills’ goal of achieving 100% clean energy by 2040.
Developed with extensive public input and the expertise of several issue-specific working groups, this plan sets the stage for an industry that will coexist with other ocean users and marine life, making the most of the climate, renewable energy, workforce development, and economic opportunities associated with offshore wind – while minimizing impacts on fishing and wildlife.
MCV served on the Roadmap’s Advisory Committee and provided written comment on the publicly available draft of the Roadmap in December alongside a coalition of Maine environmental and labor groups. We are pleased to see that the final document builds on our constructive comments by highlighting the importance of ensuring that Maine’s most vulnerable communities benefit from this emerging industry and making more references to organized labor as a key player in the equitable buildout of offshore wind in Maine.
In addition, the Roadmap includes commitments to environmental monitoring and mitigation, consistent collaboration with the fishing industry, and the creation of a floating offshore wind innovation hub to make the most of ongoing technological developments. The University of Maine’s offshore wind program is contributing key research, keeping Maine at the forefront of the field.
With some of the strongest winds in the world, the Gulf of Maine is uniquely positioned to help us fight climate change and reduce our dependence on costly foreign oil and natural gas with the power of its gusts.
There still needs to be a groundswell of support to get this emerging industry off the ground. If you haven’t already, please sign our petition to tell Maine lawmakers that you support offshore wind in the Gulf of Maine.
