The attached report, generally supportive of Google's proposed offshore wind farm, was prepared by oceana.org who describe themselves as follows:
Oceana, founded in 2001, is the largest international organization
focused solely on ocean conservation. Our offices in North America,
Central America, South America and Europe work together on a limited
number of strategic, directed campaigns to achieve measurable outcomes
that will help return our oceans to former levels of abundance. We
believe in the importance of science in identifying problems and
solutions. Our scientists work closely with our teams of economists,
lawyers and advocates to achieve tangible results for the oceans. http://na.oceana.org/
FROM EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Offshore Wind Potential
1. A small fraction of U.S. renewable energy resources1 is enough to power the country several times over. This could be done in a cost-effective way that minimizes carbon dioxide emissions which drive climate change
and threaten our oceans.
2. A modest investment in offshore wind could supply almost half the current electricity generation on the East Coast.
3. Delaware, Massachusetts and North Carolina could generate enough electricity from offshore wind to equal
current electricity generation, entirely eliminating the need for fossil fuel based electric generation. n New Jersey, Virginia and South Carolina could supply 92%, 83% and 64% of their current electricity generation
with offshore wind, respectively. In all these states, wind could provide more energy than the states currently get from fossil fuels.
4. Offshore wind power offers more environmental benefits and fewer impacts than traditional fuels such as nuclear
power, natural gas, coal and oil.
GENERAL FINDINGS
1. Offshore wind power is located near population centers where electricity demand is highest. Coastal states account for more than three-quarters of U.S. electricity consumption. Other
renewable energy is further from these high-demand areas.
2. Offshore wind power is less expensive than many alternatives. In some cases, offshore wind could actually lower electric bills.
3. Offshore wind creates more jobs than offshore drilling.
Long-term jobs would be created to support offshore wind development for skilled workers and scientists, including electricians, meteorologists, welders, and turbine operators just to name a few.
4. Offshore wind technology can help build the U.S. economy.
While the U.S. has not yet installed any offshore wind farms, Europe has been doing so for 20 years and has become the leading supplier of offshore wind turbines. Building our own domestic manufacturing base would strengthen our economy,
allow U.S. expenditures to remain here at home, and allow the U.S. to become an offshore wind technology exporter. n Offshore wind projects should be designed to minimize environmental impacts by using new techniques and technology
in the construction, operation and decommissioning process, and by protecting the environment in the siting process.
5. Choosing wind instead of oil and gas, rather than taking an “all-of-the-above” approach, will increase efficiency and lower
costs for power production overall.