Statement from Patricia Gozemba and Cindy Keegan, co-chairs of Salem Alliance for the Environment

SAFE congratulates Vineyard Wind on their successful procurement bids for providing 1200 MW of clean, renewable off-shore wind power for the state of Massachusetts. With this announcement, SAFE looks forward to working with the city of Salem, Crowley Marine, and Vineyard Wind as they build out the Salem port to become the state’s second major off-shore wind hub.

For nearly two decades, SAFE has advocated for ramping up wind power to meet the state’s current and future energy needs. In New England, we have one of the most productive wind resource areas in the world, right off our coast. Salem is well situated to serve the needs of the industry as it builds out wind generation in Nantucket Sound and as it expands to the Gulf of Maine. 

For Salem, the decision to base a major wind servicing center in Salem’s designated port area (DPA) will bring multiple economic and environmental benefits. We look forward to working with all the stakeholders to ensure that our environmental justice community benefits from the high-wage union jobs that will be created as the port is built out and becomes a key hub for marshaling, operations and maintenance of off-shore wind installations.

Salem was once the wealthiest port in all of North America. As our city approaches its 400^th anniversary, we are proud to have partnered with the city to bring a 21^st century marine-based industry back to our port. It will be an engine of economic growth for Salem and the region for decades to come.