The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is preparing a Request for Proposal (RFP) to develop offshore wind energy for Connecticut. In order to ensure these projects create family-sustaining union jobs in our communities and are built in a fair and equitable manner, the RFP must require transparency and accountability from developers. The recent Park City Wind Project has demonstrated what can happen when an RFP is written for developers' interests instead of for the community.
Let's get offshore wind development right by standing together with one voice to demand good union jobs, transparency, and equity. Our state leaders must hold developers accountable to their promises so our workers can benefit from good union jobs with thriving wages and benefits. Sign the petition to support fair and accountable offshore wind projects. Petition to be delivered to Commissioner Dykes by 5:00 pm, August 8th, 2023.
Dear Commissioner Dykes,
The climate crisis is hitting workers first and worst through extreme and dangerous weather across the country. This crisis is deepening racial and economic inequities that already exist in our communities. That's why labor is leading on climate action to build a clean energy economy that protects our planet and works for everyone.
Connecticut has an opportunity to tackle the dual crises of climate and inequality in the state's upcoming solicitation for offshore wind resources authorized by Public Act 19-71, An Act Concerning the Procurement of Energy Derived from Offshore Wind. Offshore wind energy is necessary to meet our state's goal of a carbon-free grid by 2040. It's essential that while building a clean energy economy, Connecticut uses all of the tools in its toolbox to ensure that we create good union jobs that provide living wages in low-income neighborhoods and communities within our state. We, the voters and citizens of Connecticut, are petitioning you to enact an offshore wind Request for Proposal (RFP) that is fair, transparent, and accountable to the ratepayers of Connecticut.
We respectfully urge the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) to take into consideration the following recommendations for the final RFP:
• Bidders must demonstrate comprehensive stakeholder engagement plans, assess potential impacts on environmental justice populations, and describe efforts to mitigate adverse impacts on host communities.
• Job creation and equitable workforce development should be prioritized, with a strong emphasis on fair labor practices, workforce training, and the provision of opportunities for traditionally underrepresented groups.
• Bidders should provide a detailed outline of the full scope of work required for project construction accompanied by plans to maximize the scope of work to be completed in Connecticut by local workers.
• Bidders should articulate plans for local and regional supply chain development, emphasizing manufacturing components in Connecticut or the United States. Additionally, supporting minority- and women-owned businesses should be a focal point.
• DEEP should prioritize proposals that commit to good faith negotiation of a community benefits agreement with the project host community.
• State lawmakers must hold bidders accountable for promises regarding community and workforce benefits by enforcing penalties if a successful bidder fails to fulfill major obligations to the state or host communities.
The undersigned stakeholders and residents urge you to consider these factors before releasing the final RFP. By integrating these recommendations into the final RFP, we can proactively address the concerns surrounding offshore wind development and ensure that Connecticut harnesses the maximum benefits from this emerging industry. It is crucial that state-procured projects work towards public policy goals of the state, including the creation of high-quality jobs and workforce training opportunities in the clean energy sector.
Thank you for your consideration,
Sincerely,
[First & Last Name]
[Title/Organization & City/State]