- Home
- Help our cause
- Donate
- Learn More
- FAQs
- Videos and Movies
- Our Blog
- Documents
- Informational Brochures
- White Paper
- Green Oceans One Pager
- Columns in East Bay Media
- Letter from NOAA
- Excerpt from RW DEIS
- Letter to NMFS
- Martha's Vineyard
- Norman's Bird Sanctuary
- Risk for Cod
- Sean Hayes Letter
- NOAA June 2023
- Sonar Vessel Noise Survey
- New Modernization Rule
- Rich Hittinger's letter
- News stories
- Our Legal Battle
- Visual Simulations
- US Governmwnt Documents
- Barbara's Letter
Find out more about offshore wind and the marine ecosystem.
The Green Oceans Presentation
The Green Oceans Presentation
The Green Oceans Presentation
At the Acoaxet Club, in September 2023, we presented evidence on the interaction between offshore wind and the marine ecosystem.
Watch our Slide Show
The Green Oceans Presentation
The Green Oceans Presentation
Watch our slide show to learn more about offshore wind and the need to protect the ocean.
The Green Oceans White Paper
The Green Oceans White Paper
The Green Oceans White Paper
Our White Paper delves into the science behind this website. Learn about why we need to protect the ocean, how offshore wind threatens marine mammals, and the danger of jeopardizing the marine ecosystem.
Informational Brochures
The Green Oceans White Paper
The Green Oceans White Paper
Our brochures provide a quick compilation of the facts presented here. We have detailed how offshore wind harms the economy, the environment, and human health. We also provide a general overview on the need to protect the ocean.
How will offshore wind development impact fisheries?
The US Government Agency states:
Hear it from our own fishermen and women:
Hear it from our own fishermen and women:
The Revolution Wind environmental impact statement admits that the cumulative overall impact to commercial and for-hire fishing will be major, adverse, and negative. We cannot sacrifice the marine ecosystem for unproven benefits.
Hear it from our own fishermen and women:
Hear it from our own fishermen and women:
Hear it from our own fishermen and women:
Podcast of local fisher people discussing the harm offshore wind will inflict on the marine ecosystem.
Can Endangered whales survive offshore wind?
NOAA has granted more "takes" than the number of whales alive today
Offshore wind threatens marine mammals and the marine ecosystem. The North Atlantic right whale is critically endangered, with only 70 remaining reproductively active females and 334 total individuals alive today. Regardless of this critical status, NOAA has granted wind developers over 1000 permissions to harm and harass these whales. This exceeds the size of the entire population. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/marine-mammal-protection/incidental-take-authorizations-other-energy-activities-renewable.
This juvenile fin whale was found stranded on February 29, 2024.
Fin whales are one of the five endangered marine mammals that forage in the waters off Rhode Island to survive the winter. Offshore wind construction activity overlaps with their natural habitat. Since offshore wind activity began in 2016, whales have died at an unusually high rate. People who question whether there is an association between offshore wind activity and whale deaths have been silenced by the very people we would expect to help protect these endangered species.
Will industrializing the ocean harm marine mammals?
Whales
Dolphins and Porpoises
Dolphins and Porpoises
NOAA is granting offshore wind developers permission to harm over 20,000 whales. These marine mammals need our protection.
Dolphins and Porpoises
Dolphins and Porpoises
Dolphins and Porpoises
NOAA is granting offshore wind developers permission to harm almost a half million dolphins. These marine mammals need our protection.
Seals
Dolphins and Porpoises
Recent Whale Deaths-Should we worry?
NOAA is grant offshore wind developers permission to harm over 100,000 seals. These marine mammals need our protection.
Recent Whale Deaths-Should we worry?
Was construction work occurring at the time?
Recent Whale Deaths-Should we worry?
Marine mammals are at risk. Here is an image of a Humpback whale found floating in front of the SouthFork Construction site in September, 2023.
Was construction work occurring at the time?
Was construction work occurring at the time?
Was construction work occurring at the time?
Yes. The Ørsted Mariner's briefing for that week in September stated that construction was occurring at that site (see area in red). Did they report marine mammal deaths? How will the alteration of the marine ecosystem affect marine mammals that depend on Coxes Ledge?
Did NOAA know about the dead whale?
Was construction work occurring at the time?
Was construction work occurring at the time?
Yes. The dead humpback whale washed up on Block Island's southern beach several days later. NOAA kept the incident from the public. We filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to obtain the police report that verified the death. Marine mammals are dying at unprecented rates.
Will offshore wind harm endangered birds?
The blades are deceptively fast, traveling at an average speed of 150 mph at the tips. They pose a serious threat to birds and bats.
The blades are deceptively fast, traveling at an average speed of 150 mph at the tips. They pose a serious threat to birds and bats.
The blades are deceptively fast, traveling at an average speed of 150 mph at the tips. They pose a serious threat to birds and bats.
Protect the ocean and our Great Lakes. https://www.sharetheoutdoors.com/2019/08/06/wind-turbines-threat-to-national-treasure-of-the-great-lakes/
The endangered Piping Plover, a native to Rhode Island, will be in harm's way.
The blades are deceptively fast, traveling at an average speed of 150 mph at the tips. They pose a serious threat to birds and bats.
The blades are deceptively fast, traveling at an average speed of 150 mph at the tips. They pose a serious threat to birds and bats.
Marine ecosystems affect birds too. https://www.endangered.org/animals/piping-plover/
The Rhode Island wind projects will occupy a portion of the Atlantic flyway, a major migration route for thousands of birds.
The blades are deceptively fast, traveling at an average speed of 150 mph at the tips. They pose a serious threat to birds and bats.
The Rhode Island wind projects will occupy a portion of the Atlantic flyway, a major migration route for thousands of birds.
The marine ecosystem has down stream effects on birds, bats, and humans. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/343084422_Supportive_wind_conditions_influence_offshore_movements_of_Atlantic_Coast_Piping_Plovers_during_fall_migration_2_Piping_Plover_migration
Have the developers planned for Decommissioning?
Who is liable?
Who is liable?
Who is liable?
Once built, developers will disassociate themselves from the liability by turning each project into a limited liability company (LLC). BOEM does not require specific decommissioning plans and has put off the need for any bonds for 15 years. How will the governmnt protect the ocean if the companies have no legal or financial obligations? h
Once built, developers will disassociate themselves from the liability by turning each project into a limited liability company (LLC). BOEM does not require specific decommissioning plans and has put off the need for any bonds for 15 years. How will the governmnt protect the ocean if the companies have no legal or financial obligations? https://manhattan.institute/article/out-to-sea-the-dismal-economics-of-offshore-wind
Who pays?
Who is liable?
Who is liable?
BOEM is changing the regulations so that these energy giants do not have to set aside money for decommissioning within the first decade. We need to protect the ocean if the US government will not.
How much will it cost?
Why does the US Government want to let the BIG OIL companies off the hook?
Why does the US Government want to let the BIG OIL companies off the hook?
Some estimate the cost of decommissioning could reach 70% of construction costs. With up to 1000 turbines slated for the waters off RI and MA, this could cost over 30 billion dollars. Who will pay for the devastation to the marine ecosystem?
Why does the US Government want to let the BIG OIL companies off the hook?
Why does the US Government want to let the BIG OIL companies off the hook?
Why does the US Government want to let the BIG OIL companies off the hook?
The newly proposed Modernization Rule will relieve the BIG OIL wind developers from the obligation to provide funds for decommissioning. BOEM has already provided exemptions to the wind developers off the MA and RI coast for 15 years. They will not need to put aside money for either decommissioning or damages for 15 years. How does this protect the ocean?
Will offshore wind help combat Climate change?
The US Gov't says NO
Developers never claim to help climate change
Developers never claim to help climate change
The Government Agency that permits the projects does not expect them to help combat climate change. Why would we put the marine ecosystem at risk for no benefit?
Developers never claim to help climate change
Developers never claim to help climate change
Developers never claim to help climate change
The developers, themselves, never claim offshore wind will help climate change, reduce CO2, or replace fossil fuels. Why would we sacrifice the marine ecosystem and risk driving endangered marine mammals to extinction without proof of benefit?
Will offshore wind reduce CO2 emissions?
The Intermittency Problem
Without adequate battery backup, offshore wind will require 100% backup capacity at all times. Offshore wind puts the marine ecosystem at risk without allowing us to retire a single fossil fuel plant.
Inefficient Back-up Power
Traditional power plants will have to cycle up and down to accommodate the intermittency of the wind. Such inefficient operation will emit more CO2 for less electricity. Why not protect the ocean instead? A healthy ocean is our best defense against climate change.
Has offshore wind reduced Europe's use of fossil fuels?
Fossil Fuel Use
Coal Use in Germany
Coal Use in Germany
Based on Europe’s experience, renewables without adequate battery backup, do not reduce fossil fuel consumption. Europe has prioritized renewables over the need to protect the ocean, without ever reducing their dependency on fossil fuels.
Coal Use in Germany
Coal Use in Germany
Coal Use in Germany
Germany has resorted to burning coal and wood because offshore wind is intermittent. Offshore wind does more harm than good. It threatens the survival of endangered marine mammals and harms the marine ecosystem.
Germany's dependency on fossil fuels
Germany's dependency on fossil fuels
Germany's dependency on fossil fuels
In theory, Germany has the capacity to produce twice as much electricity as it needs with renewables, yet it still requires coal, biomass (wood), and natural gas for its electricity. We should learn from their example, not repeat their mistakes. We need to prioritize the need to preserve the marine ecosystem and protect the ocean. We cannot afford to adopt an expensive plan that will not work.
Denmark's Hidden Emissions
Germany's dependency on fossil fuels
Germany's dependency on fossil fuels
Denmark imports and burns wood for a quarter of its electricity needs. The emissions from this practice are worse than burning coal. Why don't they report this as part of their emissions data? Why do they get a free pass? We need to safeguard our environment and protect the ocean. We cannot depend on foreign companies to do this.
How tall are the turbines?
The turbines off RI and MA will be larger than the largest turbine depicted here. They will stand between 873-1100 feet tall, taller than any building in Boston. Larger turbines destroy more ocean floor, generate more heat from their transmission lines, and will be more vulnerable to the stress from the harsh Atlantic environment. Size matters.
Can we trust the developers?
Danish wind developer profits from burning coal.
Danish wind developer profits from burning coal.
Danish wind developer profits from burning coal.
By Will Mathis
November 3, 2022 at 3:23 AM EDT
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-11-03/orsted-raises-guidance-amid-higher-earnings-from-burning-coal Will burning more coal protect the ocean?
Confidential reports
Danish wind developer profits from burning coal.
Danish wind developer profits from burning coal.
Ørsted has hidden 25 out of 51 technical reports from the public, including the economic impact assessment. Why? What are they hiding? Will they protect the ocean if they will not be open about these reports?
Revolution Wind's air emissions
Danish wind developer profits from burning coal.
Ørsted has hidden the safety management plan from the public.
Ørsted has hidden the air emissions report from the public. Why? We need to know how they are polluting our water and air. We cannot protect the ocean without knowing.
Ørsted has hidden the safety management plan from the public.
Ørsted has hidden the emergency response plan from the public.
Ørsted has hidden the safety management plan from the public.
–Revolution Wind Farm COP Read their complete discussion of the impact on marine ecosystems and marine mammals.
Ørsted has hidden the emergency response plan from the public.
Ørsted has hidden the emergency response plan from the public.
Ørsted has hidden the emergency response plan from the public.
–Revolution Wind Farm COP Read their analysis on the impact to marine ecosystems, the fishing industry, and marine mammals.
Why doesn't Ørsted want the public to know?
Ørsted has hidden the emergency response plan from the public.
Ørsted has hidden the emergency response plan from the public.
–Revolution Wind Farm COP Read the COP to understand why we need to protect the ocean from this destruction.
What is the impact on our cultural heritage?
Historic Resources
Newport and Middletown
Newport and Middletown
Ørsted will not share the visual impact on historic resources with the public. Why not? They have not protected our historical and cultural landmarks. How can we expect them to protect the ocean?
Newport and Middletown
Newport and Middletown
Newport and Middletown
Although Ørsted will not share the images, they provide tables that indicate hundreds of turbines will be visible from famous historical sites in Newport and Middletown. Americans value our historical sites. If this foreign company does not safeguard our cultural sites, why would we be entrust them to protect the ocean off of our shores?
Little Compton
Newport and Middletown
Historic Properties in Westport
Hundreds of turbines will be visible from the historic sites in Little Compton, RI. What will happen to the marine ecosystem if one of the close turbines loses a blade? Does Little Compton want 70 tons of PVC and PET plastic entering the marine food chain and washing up on its beaches?
Historic Properties in Westport
Historic Properties in Westport
Historic Properties in Westport
Hundreds of turbines will be visible from the historic sites in Westport, MA. –Revolution Wind Farm Cumulative Historic Visual Impact Assessment_redacted. Why have our state historical commissions allowed this? Who is supposed to protect our heritage? We need to protect the ocean.
Historic Properties in Tiverton
Historic Properties in Westport
Historic Properties in Tiverton
Even Tiverton, RI will see over 100 turbines from their historic site.
–Revolution Wind Farm Cumulative Historic Visual Impact Assessment_redacted. We need to protect the ocean and the marine ecosystem.
National Historic Properties
Historic Properties in Westport
Historic Properties in Tiverton
Over 600 treasured sites will be forever marred by the industrialization of the ocean.
–Revolution Wind Farm Cumulative Historic Visual Impact Assessment_redacted We need to protect the ocean from this encroachment.
Why install turbines on Coxes Ledge?
Why install turbines on Coxes Ledge?
Why install turbines on Coxes Ledge?
Shallow depths reduce the cost of construction, but at the price of destroying this unique marine ecosystem. Image from https://www.northeastoceandata.org/.
Will offshore wind impact fishing?
Why install turbines on Coxes Ledge?
Why install turbines on Coxes Ledge?
The developer and the government acknowledge that the overall impact to commercial and recreational fishing will be long-term, negative, and major.
–Revolution Wind DEIS, Table 2.3-1. Read how the projects will impact the marine ecosystem and the fishing industry.
Will offshore wind add jobs?
Why install turbines on Coxes Ledge?
Will offshore wind reduce the cost of electricity?
The developer and BOEM both admit the RI project will decrease the overall number of jobs and will harm the economy in RI.
–Revolution Wind DEIS, Table 2.3-1. Why have our politicians tried to convince us otherwise? Why do they not protect the ocean and our ocean economy?
Will offshore wind reduce the cost of electricity?
Will offshore wind reduce the cost of electricity?
Will offshore wind reduce the cost of electricity?
The U.S. Department of Energy predicts that offshore wind-generated electricity will cost more than any other type of electricity. Raising the cost of electricity will not protect the ocean. It will drive manufacturing jobs overseas to countries that burn coal for electricity, adding to climate change, not cambatting it.
Can offshore wind cause other problems?
Will offshore wind reduce the cost of electricity?
Can offshore wind cause other problems?
https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna27681666. See why we need to protect the ocean.
How many projects are planned?
Will offshore wind reduce the cost of electricity?
Can offshore wind cause other problems?
The US government plans to industrialize 8% of the US continental shelf, (NorthEast Ocean Data, 2022). This will alter ocean currents, decrease plankton, and harm the marine ecosystem. The need to protect the ocean has never been greater.
For Sailors and Surfers
Long-distance sailing races
Offshore wind projects will interfere with multiple long-distance sailing races. Sailing may seem like a trivial concern compared to climate change, but these projects will not help combat climate change. We need to protect the ocean and safeguard sailors, who care about connecting with nature and the natural environment.
Sailing race paths identified in the RI Ocean-SAMP
The RI Ocean-SAMP identified multiple sailing races that traverse the offshore wind lease areas. Will sailing become more dangerous? Sailors care about the ocean, marine mammals, and the marine ecosystem. We need to join together to protect the ocean.
Navigation safety
Turbines disrupt radar. The government document that discusses this issue states that the turbines will make search and rescue (SAR) operations more difficult. This could result in “otherwise avoidable loss of life due to maritime incidents.”
Irrespective of the marine mammals, our government has officially admitted that offshore wind developments will cause more humans to die.
RWF, FEIS, 3.17-20