South County Senator Praises Changes To Offshore Wind Project

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, RI — A South County senator praised new developments to proposed wind farms of the coast of Rhode Island and Massachusetts, saying they are a "positive development" to better accommodate commercial fishermen and those who use the water for work or recreation. While she approved of the new changes, Senator Susan Sosnowski added that there are still issues that must be addressed.

The South Kingstown Democrat said that, in particular, changing the orientation of the windmills from east- to west-facing will help commercial fishermen who use the area.

"It’s a positive development that the proposal now reflects some of the fishermen’s needs for alignment, as well as the industry’s request for one-nautical-mile spacing that was not in the original plans," Sosnowski said. "While there are still some significant concerns with these proposals, I consider it progress that these adjustments have been made to help protect our fishing industry."

The changed plans were submitted to the U.S. Coast Guard by the project's developers, covering the proposed 15 turbines in Rhode Island Sound and 84 off the coast of Martha's Vineyard. The proposals are still on hold at this time pending review by the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management concerning the fishing industry.

There are still several areas of concern, Sosnowski said, highlighting the the removal of desgnated transit lanes and the size of the projects.

"While I am pleased that these changes have been made in recognition of our valuable fishing industry’s needs, I will continue to advocate for the fishing industry and remain concerned that this proposal still poses considerable risks to the safety and livelihood of our hardworking fishing industry’s workers," Sosnowski continued.

Championed by Governor Gina Raimondo, the Revolution Wind Project is estimated to generate a quarter of the state's electricity once completed.

Read more:

• $1B Rhode Island Wind Farm To Power 270,000 Homes
• National Grid Seeks Approval For Revolution Wind Project
• Raimondo Announces $4.5 Million Revolution Wind Investment