'Much uncertainty.' Cape, Mass. leaders see political shifts that may slow offshore wind

The future of offshore wind is at a pivotal point this year, marked by a mix of determination and uncertainty.

On Dec. 20, the Biden-Harris administration granted final approval for SouthCoast Wind, the eleventh offshore wind project it has approved. With up to 141 turbines and the potential to generate 2.4 gigawatts of electricity, the SouthCoast Wind project, in a federal lease area south of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, is a key part of the region's clean energy goals steadfastly promoted by Gov. Maura Healey, and many legislators and environmental advocates.

But the incoming Trump-Vance administration could dramatically alter the regulatory and financial landscape for offshore wind. Their less favorable stance toward the industry raises concerns about the pace of future projects and the viability of less mature proposals. This is especially true for the Gulf of Maine lease areas, where the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has provisionally awarded four of eight lease areas to Avangrid Renewables and Invenergy NE Offshore Wind, including due east of Cape Cod.

Doubling down on offshore wind

Many Massachusetts leaders, including state Sen. Julian Cyr, D-Provincetown, are committed to offshore wind development as a crucial part of addressing climate change and driving economic growth, and Healey has vowed to “double down” on advancing it even as the political climate changes.

In the next few years, Cyr said, "certainly, the change in federal administration brings much uncertainty for offshore wind, particularly projects that are quite far out or at the early stage of development" and require federal support, and he expects the pacing "is likely to be slowed."

For example, he doesn't expect to see any movement on the Gulf of Maine lease sites. Less clear is how new federal policies may affect already approved projects like SouthCoast Wind and Vineyard Wind 1, which has seen construction setbacks in the aftermath of the turbine blade that collapsed in July.

But Cyr pointed out, "the resolve and the commitment are there from almost all leaders in Massachusetts to address the climate crisis."

Local concerns and political shifts

Those who have voiced concerns about offshore development, meanwhile, say a cooler federal stance on offshore wind would be welcome. Many critics, particularly on Cape Cod, say the offshore wind industry is advancing too quickly without adequate consultation with those who will be most affected — local residents, fishermen, and coastal communities.

Susanne Conley, a Barnstable resident who's a leader of the Save Greater Dowses Beach citizens group, advocates for a reevaluation of offshore wind policy. While she supports the transition to renewable energy, she believes the Biden-Harris offshore wind program should be halted, particularly in light of what she perceives as insufficient baseline environmental data "to understand the effect of these massive projects on the fisheries, on all ocean life, and on coastal communities."

She also expressed support for alternatives to offshore wind, such as micro-nuclear technology, and pointed to Vineyard Offshore's recent decision to withdraw its Vineyard Wind 2 project from contract negotiations as evidence of the industry's growing uncertainty.

"As I’ve said publicly, we need to rethink our energy policy in Massachusetts," Conley said.

Letting offshore wind developers call the shots is not the way, "no matter how many former Massachusetts administrators and department heads they hire to push the projects on Beacon Hill," she added.

Slowing things down, asking questions

Some local politicians, like state Rep. Steven Xiarhos, R-Barnstable, also question the current pace of offshore wind development. While Xiarhos supports clean energy, he calls for a more cautious and responsible approach, urging developers to address community concerns, including the impact on commercial fishing and tourism.

The incoming Trump administration, he noted, stands to create an opportunity to slow down the pace of offshore wind development, allowing time for stakeholders to address environmental, economic, and community concerns.

"Projects must account for their effects on the commercial fishing industry and tourism, both of which are vital to Cape Cod’s economy," Xiarhos said.

In particular, he has highlighted the need for developers to work more collaboratively with local communities, address unresolved concerns about landfall sites for cables, and ensure environmental safeguards are in place.

He's proposed legislation to require developers to explore alternative landfall sites that minimize disruption to beaches and drinking water supplies.

Other local leaders and residents have echoed these concerns.

The Cape & Islands Municipal Leaders Association, representing 22 towns in the region, has raised alarms about plans for the Gulf of Maine, including the potential impacts of floating turbines, and effects on small fisheries and local ports.

Nantucket leaders, in particular, have highlighted concerns about the effects on the island environment and economy, and most recently criticized the approval of the SouthCoast Wind project, claiming the process undermines protections for historic communities. On Dec. 23, the Nantucket Select Board issued a statement saying it would consider legal options to appeal the project in federal court.

Proponents, supporters remain committed

In the meantime, SouthCoast Wind and Ocean Winds North America CEO Michael Brown remains optimistic about his company's project.

"We anticipate that our project will continue to move forward to supply abundant clean energy to meet the growing demand for electricity in New England," he said.

Federal representatives who support offshore wind and other clean energy development also are committed to its advancement, including U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts.

"Massachusetts has long been a leader in offshore wind development, generating clean energy for families and bringing clean jobs to our shores,” Warren said in an email. "I’m going to continue to work with Governor Healey, Senator Markey, Congressman Keating, and local officials to defend and build on our historic progress in clean energy development for our Commonwealth.”