Delaware Congressional Delegation Hails Obama Administration’s Delaware Offshore Wind Lease Announcement

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Tom Carper, Chris Coons and U.S. Rep. John Carney (all D-Del.) hailed today’s announcement by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar that the Bluewater Wind project will receive a lease for an offshore wind project on the Outer Continental Shelf off the shores of southern Delaware.

This is the first offshore wind project to be awarded a lease under the Department’s “Smart from the Start” wind energy initiative for the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf. This announcement comes after an August 2012 vote by the Finance Senate Committee that extends tax credits to incentivize investments in offshore wind projects. 

“Today’s announcement means we are one step closer to making offshore wind a reality in Delaware,” said Sen. Carper, a member of the Senate Finance Committee. “I am hopeful that with this lease and with recent actions in Congress, we can find investors that will be willing to partner with Delaware to pursue this promising source of offshore wind energy.  Offshore wind is an untapped energy resource that will help us reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, curb harmful air pollutants, and create good paying American jobs. I commend Secretary Salazar and the Administration for their commitment to renewable energy.”

“Delawareans know that wind off our shores can contribute to an all-of-the-above energy strategy,” Senator Coons said. “Today’s announcement by the Department of the Interior marks a smart, common-sense step toward that strategy. Offshore wind energy has great potential, and I look forward to continuing to work with our federal, state, and private sector partners as this project moves forward.”

“This lease is an important step in bringing together partners to move the offshore wind project forward,” said Congressman Carney.  “I’ve been a strong supporter at both the state and federal levels for making investments in renewable, green technology that protect the environment and create jobs for Delaware workers.  The area off of Delaware’s coastline is an ideal spot for an offshore wind project, and I’m hopeful that this lease will incentivize investors and other partners to bring this project to light.”