Unions Release Plan for Southern New England to Build a Thriving, Worker-Centered Offshore Wind Industry
Today, Climate Jobs coalitions in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut have released an ambitious new report calling for Southern New England to double down on offshore wind and embrace bold, collaborative action for clean energy and high-quality union jobs. The report outlines the essential steps for Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut to transform the offshore wind industry into a regional powerhouse, driven by strong labor standards and equity-focused policies.
A Path Forward for Clean Energy and Good Jobs
The report advocates for a significant increase in offshore wind capacity in Southern New England, suggesting the region triple its commitment from 9 to 30 gigawatts by 2040. By establishing a domestic, unionized, and sustainable offshore wind sector, our states can address two urgent issues: climate change and economic inequality.
The report emphasizes that coordinated state leadership is needed more than ever to meet escalating energy demands, reach climate goals, and protect ratepayers. No Southern New England state is currently on track to meet these targets, underscoring the importance of collaboration across state lines.
Key Recommendations for Building a Strong Offshore Wind Industry
The report lays out a vision for a robust and equitable offshore wind industry with four essential cornerstones:
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- Ports: Upgrade ports across the region to support offshore wind manufacturing, marshaling, construction, operations, and maintenance.
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- Manufacturing: Invest in domestic offshore wind component manufacturing and establish a robust supply chain to create more local jobs and avoid supply chain disruptions.
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- Transmission: Develop an interregional transmission system to seamlessly integrate offshore wind power, improving project economics and generating public savings.
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- Vessels: Collaborate with the federal government and shipbuilders to construct turbine installation vessels (WTIVs) and support projects with varied foundation types that do not require WTIVs.
By prioritizing these investments, the report envisions Southern New England as a national leader in offshore wind, able to generate enough clean energy to meet its own needs and get back on track to meet its climate goals.
Centering Labor and Equity in the Offshore Wind Industry
The report strongly advocates for high-road labor and equity standards to ensure that offshore wind projects create good-paying union jobs and boost local economies. This worker-centered approach to offshore wind development is seen as a critical strategy to build both clean energy infrastructure and a stronger, more inclusive middle class.
What Industry Leaders Are Saying:
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- Rhode Island AFL-CIO President Pat Crowley: “Union labor is the foundation on which the offshore wind industry must be built… New England stands on the precipice of a new era of prosperity, one that can only be realized through organized labor.”
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- Massachusetts AFL-CIO President Chrissy Lynch: “A worker-centered offshore wind industry is critically important for our region to fight the climate crisis and build the middle class at the same time.”
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- Connecticut State Building and Construction Trades Council President Keith Brothers: “Offshore wind is the best – and frankly, only – way to meet our state and regional climate goals… If we get it right, we can also create good, union jobs and a domestic economic engine at the same time.”
Read the Full Report
For more details on this bold vision for Southern New England’s offshore wind future, including additional policy recommendations and expert perspectives, read the full report here. This report illustrates a powerful opportunity for Southern New England to lead the way in clean energy, build the middle class, and tackle the climate crisis head-on.
Join the Conversation with Governor Healey
Learn more and join us in supporting a future that brings sustainable energy and prosperity to New England communities with Governor Maura Healey on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. Register here.
