February 28, 2009
Russ Wallis: Don’t forget the fisherman in wind-farm issue
IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE, and rightfully so, significant resources will be directed at renewable-energy projects aimed at generating jobs, combating global warming and promoting security through increasing our independence from foreign oil.
The marine environment will play a primary role in meeting our nation’s energy needs. Along the East Coast alone, 51,000 wind turbines are projected to be built in the foreseeable future. In Rhode Island, the race to be among the first in offshore-wind-farm development is well under way.
As leaders of the Commercial Fisheries Center of Rhode Island (CFCRI), representing commercial- fishing associations statewide, we believe that the commercial-fishing industry can and must play a constructive role in ensuring that offshore energy development and commercial fishing can coexist compatibly.
