- The National Offshore Wind Opposition Alliance (NOOA) aims to unify local groups across the US to oppose offshore wind projects.
- Opposition stems from worries about tourism, property values, fishing, marine habitats, and environmental impacts.
- NOOA pledges to remain politically neutral and refuses donations from fossil fuel interests, emphasising their independent stance.
A new coalition has emerged to challenge offshore wind projects in the United States. The National Offshore-Wind Opposition Alliance (NOOA) aims to unify local groups from California to New England in their fight against wind projects.
Mandy Davis, NOOA president and founder of the Morro Bay-based REACT Alliance, stressed the need for a national profile to amplify local voices. “Sometimes the little guy just doesn’t get noticed,” Davis said. Offshore wind, a nascent industry in the US, plays a crucial role in President Joe Biden’s climate strategy.
His administration’s push to install turbines along every US coastline has sparked significant opposition. Concerns about tourism, property values, fishing, and marine habitats have led to multiple lawsuits.
NOOA’s first official meeting occurred virtually this week, with representatives from about 20 local groups attending. While Davis did not disclose how many groups have formally joined the coalition, she expects the list to become apparent in the coming days and weeks.
Green Oceans, a group that has sued to stop projects off the coast of Rhode Island, has already signed on. Bill Thompson, co-founder of Green Oceans, hopes the coalition will improve information and strategy sharing among opposition groups. “Having a united front will make our concerns harder to ignore,” Thompson said.
NOOA pledges political neutrality and refuses donations from fossil fuel interests. The coalition’s NOOA acronym deliberately nods to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the federal agency responsible for ocean conservation policies and offshore wind facility permits. “It’s a little bit of a dig,” Davis acknowledged.
The opposition to offshore wind involves a diverse array of concerns. Some groups worry about the impact on tourism and local economies. Others express concerns about the effects on marine life and fishing industries. Property values also present a significant issue, with residents fearing that the presence of turbines will decrease the attractiveness of coastal areas.
Environmental concerns also drive the opposition. Critics argue that the construction and operation of offshore wind farms could disrupt marine habitats and harm wildlife. These concerns have led to several legal challenges aimed at halting the development of offshore wind projects.
The formation of NOOA marks a significant step in the opposition movement. By bringing together various local groups, the coalition hopes to present a more substantial, coordinated challenge to offshore wind development. The coalition plans to engage in public outreach, legal action, and lobbying to advance their cause.
As the debate over offshore wind continues, NOAA’s efforts could substantially impact the future of renewable energy in the United States. The coalition’s formation highlights the growing resistance to large-scale renewable energy projects, even as the need for sustainable energy sources becomes more pressing.
NOOA’s emergence signals a critical moment in the offshore wind debate. With the backing of numerous local groups, the coalition stands poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of US energy policy. The battle over offshore wind development will intensify, with NOOA leading the opposition.