Offshore Wind Energy For more than a decade, the National Wildlife Federation Offshore Wind Program has been rallying for responsible development of our nation’s largest untapped renewable energy resource.
So what do we mean when we say ‘Responsible Offshore Wind Development’?
At the National Wildlife Federation, we have developed specific criteria for assessing whether or not an offshore wind project is a ‘responsible’ development for our communities and environments. If a proposed project does not meet these guidelines, we will not support it and will advocate for these principles to be met before moving forward in the BOEM leasing process. Our most updated standards are as follows:
The Responsible development of offshore wind: (i) avoids, minimizes, mitigates, and monitors adverse impacts on wildlife and habitats, (ii) minimizes negative impacts on other ocean uses, (iii) includes robust consultation with Native American Tribes and communities, (iv) meaningfully engages state and local governments and other interested and affected parties from the outset, (v) includes comprehensive efforts to avoid impacts to underserved communities, and (vi) uses the best available scientific and technological data to ensure science-based community -informed decision making.
In sum, the responsible development of offshore wind energy:
- avoids, minimizes, mitigates, and monitors for adverse impacts on wildlife and habitats,
- minimizes negative impacts on other ocean uses,
- includes robust consultation with Native American tribes and communities,
- meaningfully engages state and local governments and other interested and affected parties from the outset,
- includes comprehensive efforts to avoid negative impacts to underserved communities, and uses the best available scientific and technological data to ensure science-based community-informed decision making.
Learn more about our work in advocating for responsible offshore wind development in the United States below!
Thriving Wildlife
National Wildlife Federation believes that it is essential to ensure that wildlife thrive in our new clean energy future, which is why we work hard to support the responsible development of offshore wind energy.
Resources & Fact Sheets
Have a question about offshore wind energy and its impacts on wildlife, or want to share resources with others? Learn more about responsible offshore wind energy and find answers to the frequently asked questions about this renewable energy resource.
5 Reasons We Need Offshore Wind
Offshore wind power provides the United States with a once in a generation opportunity to build a transformative industry that will have beneficial impacts for communities and ecosystems.
The BOEM Renewable Energy Process
We work alongside other environmental NGOs to engage with BOEM and developers throughout their offshore wind permitting process, through formal comments, stakeholder outreach, meetings, working groups, and other efforts.
Our Team
Our team of dedicated staff work on all of our nation’s coasts to bring the responsible development of offshore wind energy, and meet the urgency of the climate crisis.
