WASHINGTON (January 29, 2015) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) welcomed the lease sale for offshore wind off the coast of Massachusetts that was held today by the Department of Interior. The lease sale resulted in more than 500 square miles of new potential wind energy areas south of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket that could provide enough electricity for more than 700,000 homes if fully developed.

Below is Senator Markey’s statement:

“If this last week proved anything, it’s that the oceans off of Massachusetts still do not lack for wind. These same harsh winds that we’ve endured for centuries can be turned into clean power for our homes, creating jobs even as it cuts the carbon pollution that is worsening climate change and supercharging storms.

“Massachusetts must continue to lead on offshore wind, and this is a sign that lower-cost offshore wind will come with increased competition and new technologies.

“Instead of drilling for oil and gas off of the Atlantic Coast, we should pursue a clean energy vision that safeguards our environment and boosts our economy. I commend the Department of Interior and the Obama administration for their dedication to clean energy, and I look forward to working with Governor Charlie Baker and his administration to continue Massachusetts’ leadership on clean energy and climate change.”