Mass., Rhode Island to jointly explore wind farms in federal waters

Rhode Island and Massachusetts will jointly explore offshore wind projects in federal water adjacent to both states.

Governor Deval Patrick and Rhode Island Governor Donald Carcieri signed a memorandum of understanding today, committing both states to coordinate and collaborate in looking at offshore wind in a 400-square mile “area of mutual interest” twelve miles southwest of Martha’s Vineyard and extending 20 miles westward into Rhode Island Sound.

"In the wake of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill tragedy, it is more pressing than ever to make the most of the clean energy potential off our shores," said Governor Patrick. "By working together, Governor Carcieri and I will make our states the hub of our nation's offshore wind industry, creating hundreds of jobs and enjoying the environmental benefits of renewable energy."

Both states are looking to site offshore wind – the proposed 130 turbine Cape Wind project off Massachusetts and a pilot project off Block Island in Rhode Island and a much larger one in adjacent federal waters.

"The shared waters between Rhode Island and Massachusetts hold the key to the future of offshore wind developments along the East Coast and the country. It is in the best interest for both states to work together to expedite the federal permitting process through this collaborative effort," said Governor Carcieri. "We share mutual interests in developing offshore wind projects, bringing greater economic development activity and economic security to the region. Working together, we ensure Rhode Island and Massachusetts will continue to lead the nation in offshore wind."