October 15, 2018

RI Public Utilities Commission

Luly Massaro, Clerk
89 Jefferson Blvd.
Warwick, R.I. 02888

Dear Ms. Massaro:

We, the undersigned residents and stewards of Block Island, write today to express our strong support for Deepwater Wind’s next offshore wind farm project-Revolution Wind.

In 2007 Rhode Island and Deepwater Wind embarked on a remarkable endeavor-to build the first offshore wind farm in the United States. The multifold purpose of this project was to help solve the Block Island energy dilemma, to help reduce fossil fuel emissions that threaten us all in the Ocean State, and to position Rhode Island at the epicenter of an enormously beneficial energy industry.

Now, more than a decade later, those aspirations are being fully realized. After years of hard work by Deepwater Wind and numerous stakeholders, including the world-wide Block Island community, we have stable power rates well below historical highs, we have silenced the noxious diesel generators, and we have seen the wind farm become an iconic symbol of this special place.

Deepwater Wind, in collaboration with regulatory agencies, academic institutions, scientists, environmental organizations, fisherman groups, and other stakeholders, carefully studied, planned, and built this project to the highest standards-standards that will inform this new industry for years to come.

We have seen local workers and ports, including Block Island, prove to be essential to this success story. And we have seen windfarm tourism develop alongside positive impacts on the local fishing industry.

Block Island takes quiet pride in being the birthplace of this new industry. We want to see that industry grow responsibly, and we want to see it grow right here in Rhode Island.

We hope you will approve Deepwater Wind’s Revolution Wind project, and support their plan to produce more clean, renewable energy for Rhode Island.