The Man Who Broke Offshore Wind – Mother Jones

Report on the Opposition to Offshore Wind Energy and Its Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Introduction

This report examines the significant opposition to offshore wind energy development in the United States, focusing on the activities of David Stevenson and affiliated groups. The analysis highlights the implications of this opposition on the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to affordable and clean energy (SDG 7), climate action (SDG 13), and life below water (SDG 14).

Background and Key Actors

• David Stevenson: Former policy director at the Caesar Rodney Institute (CRI), a conservative think tank linked to fossil-fuel interests.
• Caesar Rodney Institute (CRI): Part of the State Policy Network, known for opposing renewable energy initiatives.
• American Coalition for Ocean Protection (ACOP): A coalition led by Stevenson to resist offshore wind projects along the U.S. East Coast.
• Political and Media Support: Includes conservative think tanks, right-wing media outlets, and political figures such as former President Donald Trump.

Opposition Strategies and Tactics

1. Legal Challenges and Public Protests: Stevenson and ACOP have galvanized lawsuits and organized protests to delay or halt offshore wind projects.
2. Use of Environmental Concerns: Emphasis on potential harm to marine life, particularly whales, to influence public opinion and legal decisions despite scientific evidence to the contrary.
3. Disinformation Campaigns: Dissemination of misleading claims regarding economic impacts, property values, and environmental risks associated with offshore wind farms.
4. Political Lobbying: Engagement with political figures and agencies to influence policy and regulatory decisions, including petitions to halt ongoing projects.

Impact on Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

• Opposition has led to significant delays and cancellations of offshore wind projects, reducing the potential for clean energy generation.
• Halting projects increases reliance on fossil fuels and natural gas, which undermines efforts to transition to sustainable energy sources.
• Increased energy costs in regions like the Northeast are projected due to the stagnation of offshore wind development.

SDG 13: Climate Action

• Delays in offshore wind development impede the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from the energy sector.
• Obstruction tactics contribute to climate delay, slowing down the implementation of effective climate solutions.
• Promotion of alternative energy sources like nuclear and natural gas, while potentially beneficial, may not provide timely mitigation of climate change impacts.

SDG 14: Life Below Water

• Claims of offshore wind harming whale populations have been used to justify opposition, despite scientific consensus indicating no direct link.
• Focus on marine life protection is selectively applied, often ignoring greater threats posed by fossil fuel extraction and use.
• Scientific investigations continue to monitor marine impacts, but misinformation hampers balanced environmental assessments.

Case Study: The Skipjack Wind Farm and Regional Effects

The Skipjack Wind Farm, a 966-megawatt project off Maryland’s coast, faced significant opposition led by Stevenson. The campaign delayed the project’s onshore substation permitting and postponed construction from 2022 to at least 2026. This delay exemplifies the broader trend of obstructing offshore wind initiatives, affecting regional energy goals and economic development.

Political Influence and Policy Outcomes

• Former President Donald Trump’s administration enacted executive orders and policies halting offshore wind permitting and construction.
• Withdrawal of federal grants and cancellation of permits have stalled multiple projects, with only five currently under construction.
• Republican politicians and conservative think tanks have increasingly adopted anti-wind rhetoric, further influencing policy decisions.

Scientific Evidence and Misinformation

• Government agencies such as NOAA have found no scientific evidence linking offshore wind activities to whale deaths.
• Independent studies and expert opinions discredit reports alleging harmful acoustic impacts from wind farm construction.
• Despite this, misinformation campaigns continue to shape public discourse and policy, contributing to climate obstruction.

Broader Implications for Renewable Energy and Climate Policy

• Opposition to offshore wind reflects a shift from outright climate denial to obstruction of climate solutions.
• Similar disinformation campaigns affect other renewable sectors, including solar and onshore wind energy.
• Increased polarization and conspiracy theories hinder democratic debate and delay urgent climate action.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The sustained opposition to offshore wind energy led by David Stevenson and affiliated groups poses significant challenges to achieving key Sustainable Development Goals. The obstruction of clean energy projects delays climate mitigation efforts, increases reliance on fossil fuels, and undermines economic and environmental benefits. Addressing misinformation and fostering transparent, science-based policy discussions are critical to advancing sustainable development and combating climate change.

Recommendations

1. Enhance public education on the benefits and environmental safety of offshore wind energy.
2. Strengthen scientific research and communication regarding the impacts of renewable energy on marine ecosystems.
3. Promote inclusive policy-making that balances environmental protection with the urgent need for clean energy expansion.
4. Counteract disinformation campaigns through fact-based media and stakeholder engagement.
5. Support the development of offshore wind projects to meet national and global climate targets.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • The article discusses offshore wind energy as a source of clean energy and the political and social opposition to its development in the US.
   • It highlights the challenges in expanding renewable energy infrastructure, particularly offshore wind farms.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The article centers on climate change mitigation efforts and the obstruction of renewable energy projects that could reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
   • It addresses climate skepticism and obstruction tactics that delay climate action.
3. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • Concerns about the impact of offshore wind farms on marine life, especially whales, are discussed.
   • Marine mammal deaths and environmental impact assessments are key issues raised.
4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The article mentions the potential for offshore wind farms to revitalize port towns with well-paying jobs.
   • It also discusses economic concerns such as energy costs and job losses due to project delays.
5. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The article references legal actions, lawsuits, and political lobbying related to offshore wind development.
   • It highlights transparency, public participation, and governance issues in energy policy.

2. Specific Targets Under Identified SDGs

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
   • Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
   • Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning.
3. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • Target 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts.
   • Target 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds.
4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men.
   • Target 8.4: Improve progressively, through 2030, global resource efficiency in consumption and production.
5. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 7 Indicators
   • Proportion of population with access to electricity (implied through discussions on energy access and affordability).
   • Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption (implied by offshore wind capacity development and delays).
   • Energy intensity measured in terms of primary energy and GDP (implied by concerns over energy costs and efficiency).
2. SDG 13 Indicators
   • Number of countries with national and local disaster risk reduction strategies (implied by policy discussions and climate action plans).
   • Greenhouse gas emissions per capita and per GDP (implied by the focus on reducing fossil fuel reliance).
3. SDG 14 Indicators
   • Proportion of fish stocks within biologically sustainable levels (implied through marine ecosystem health concerns).
   • Number of marine species threatened by human activities (implied by whale mortality and environmental impact assessments).
4. SDG 8 Indicators
   • Unemployment rate (implied through job losses and creation in renewable energy sectors).
   • Labor productivity and wages in renewable energy industries (implied by discussion of well-paying jobs in port towns).
5. SDG 16 Indicators
   • Number of verified cases of corruption and abuse of power (implied by references to “dark money” and lobbying).
   • Public participation in decision-making processes (implied by public comments, protests, and lawsuits).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: motherjones.com