Massachusetts
GoLocalProv | News | Massachusetts Launches Interagency Offshore Wind Council to “Expedite Clean Energy Development”
Thursday, April 20, 2023
PHOTO: Unsplash/Shaun Dakin
Massachusetts on Thursday introduced the institution of the Fee on Clear Vitality Infrastructure Siting and Allowing (CEISP) and the Interagency Offshore Wind Council (IOWC).
In line with Governor Maura Healey’s administration, to fulfill the emissions limits outlined within the Clear Vitality and Local weather Plans (CECP), Massachusetts might want to website a major quantity of recent vitality infrastructure, together with new photo voltaic and wind technology, storage, transmission, and distribution infrastructure all through the Commonwealth.
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Stakeholders on Announcement
“Massachusetts is already a world chief in clear vitality, however we gained’t relaxation on our laurels,” mentioned Healey. “The clear vitality transition has already led to the creation of 1000’s of good-paying jobs and revolutionary new firms to steer this effort. With the creation of the Fee on Clear Vitality Infrastructure Siting and Allowing and the Interagency Offshore Wind Council, our administration is taking decisive motion to speed up our transition as rapidly, sustainably, and equitably as potential.”
“Collaboration with native stakeholders is central to our effort to develop our clear vitality infrastructure in Massachusetts,” added Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Throughout my time as Mayor, the town of Salem developed robust coalitions to ascertain its offshore wind port. We all know how to do that – now could be the time to scale up and transfer ahead collectively.”
“We’re taking over a few of the hardest facets of the clear vitality transition head-on with these twin efforts on offshore wind and infrastructure siting,” mentioned Vitality and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca L. Tepper. “I ordered the creation of those two our bodies as a result of the Healey-Driscoll Administration is dedicated to proactively and collaboratively breaking down limitations and addressing the challenges our clear vitality business faces.”
Fee on Clear Vitality Infrastructure Siting and Allowing (CEISP)
The CEISP will probably be tasked with decreasing allowing timelines, offering communities’ enter within the siting and allowing of unpolluted vitality infrastructure, and making certain that the advantages of the clear vitality transition are shared equitably. Secretary Tepper will order each related company housed inside the Government Workplace of Vitality and Environmental Affairs to judge present allowing processes impacting vitality infrastructure and establish potential areas of enchancment. The Fee may even be instructed to make suggestions on administrative, regulatory, and legislative adjustments to present allowing and siting procedures earlier than the tip of the 12 months.
The Fee will embrace illustration from the next:
State Businesses
Environmental and Land Use Advocates
Municipalities
Utilities
Agricultural Pursuits
Environmental Justice Communities
Clear Vitality Builders
Housing and Actual Property Builders
Different Stakeholders
Interagency Offshore Wind Council
Advancing the accountable improvement of offshore wind is a prime precedence of the Healey-Driscoll Administration. Years of considerable effort and ongoing coordination and cooperation have resulted in vital progress in Massachusetts, which is acknowledged as a frontrunner for offshore wind in america. Persevering with to advance and develop our state’s offshore wind business would require better interagency collaboration. Formalizing and elevating these efforts by a brand new Interagency Offshore Wind Council will advance communication, alignment, collaboration, and joint execution.
The Council will meet frequently and will probably be accountable for growing and sustaining an Offshore Wind Strategic Plan with stakeholder and group enter. The strategic plan will lay out frameworks and progress made up to now, establish key drivers and coverage targets, and prioritize particular findings and actions crucial for the Commonwealth to fulfill its targets and goals. The plan will intention to:
Develop a goal for offshore wind improvement that helps the Commonwealth’s electrical sector emission discount targets;
Determine and implement methods to assist the event of the Commonwealth’s offshore wind targets;
Strengthen the offshore wind provide chain in Massachusetts and the area;
Develop a port infrastructure and financial improvement technique;
Promote offshore wind workforce improvement;
Make sure the inclusion of communities, together with vitality justice communities and the fishing business, in strategic improvement;
Determine alternatives for variety, fairness, inclusion, and accessibility because the offshore wind business grows; and
Develop methods to keep away from, reduce, or mitigate land and ocean environmental impacts.
The Council will embrace representatives from:
Division of Vitality Sources
Massachusetts Clear Vitality Heart
Workplace of Coastal Zone Administration
Division of Marine Fisheries
Division of Environmental Safety
Division of Public Utilities
Government Workplace of Financial Growth
Government Workplace of Labor & Workforce Growth
Government Workplace of Schooling
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