The following statement is attributable to Rob Freudenberg, Vice President, Energy and Environment, for RPA:

“As evidence of the ever-worsening impacts of climate change affect the daily lives of people near and far, and as a new industry - with good jobs that support a better quality of life for skilled workers - stands poised to take root here in our region and in others, new leadership in DC has put a freeze on the development of offshore wind, by issuing an Executive Order that temporarily halts any new offshore wind lease sales in federal waters, prevents any new approvals, permits or loans for wind projects both on land and offshore, and examines the necessity for and legality of removing current leases already awarded, pending a comprehensive review of the impacts of offshore wind on economic and environmental interests.

Such a freeze injects unfortunate and unnecessary uncertainty into an industry working through the already uncertain and challenging early stages of establishment. The EO puts projects, investment of taxpayer dollars, future economic growth, and the opportunity to avoid the very worst impacts of climate change at risk.

With energy demand only forecasted to increase and the urgent need for action to move to a renewable future, we call on the federal government to move quickly through its review, be clear-eyed about the benefits to American interests in advancing offshore wind, and – along with state governments - continue support for this clean, economy boosting, domestic energy source.”