Statement from Liz Burdock, President & CEO, Business Network for Offshore Wind
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo has signed an executive order that will raise the state’s clean energy goal to 100 percent green electricity by 2030, which will make the state the first in the nation to be powered completely by renewable energy.
“Rhode Island has been a pioneer in the U.S. offshore industry since they installed the first wind farm off of Block Island in 2015,” said Liz Burdock, President & CEO, the Business Network for Offshore Wind. “We are excited by Governor Raimondo’s vision for transforming Rhode Island’s energy program in just 10 years, and we are proud that offshore wind energy will play a major role in helping the state to achieve this ambitious goal.”
In her annual State of the State speech to lawmakers, Governor Raimondo called for addressing climate change “with urgency,” and said that “It’s time to set our sights higher.” Burdock noted that thanks to the Revolution Wind farm and other offshore wind projects, there will be enough offshore wind energy to power half of the homes in the state in a few years.
“Given the lack of a national energy policy, it’s more important than ever for our coastal states to maintain their leadership role in the offshore wind marketplace,” added Burdock. “We thank the Governor for her commitment to our industry, and it’s one more reason we are looking forward to holding our next International Partnering Forum (IPF) in Providence this year.”
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About the Business Network for Offshore Wind
The Business Network for Offshore Wind is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing an offshore wind supply chain in the United States. The Network is focused on delivering education, creating partnerships and advancing the industry. All membership and event proceeds are invested back into supporting the industry by helping the Network continue programmatic education and develop the tools and networks necessary to create a U.S. offshore wind supply chain. The Network hosts the annual International Offshore Wind Partnering Forum (IPF) the leading technical conference for offshore wind in the United States dedicated to moving the industry forward. Join the Business Network today.