Washington, D.C. — A complex network of interest groups funded by the oil and gas industry is spreading anti-offshore wind misinformation, according to a new column from the Center for American Progress that dispels some of the myths surrounding this energy source.
The column traces verifiable connections between fossil fuel funders, think tanks, and sham grassroots organizations known as “astroturf” groups that promote policy positions supporting fossil fuels and opposing renewable energy.
“Offshore wind power is not bad for people or the planet,” said Mariel Lutz, research associate for Conservation Policy at CAP and co-author of the column. “But fossil fuel interests are pulling out all the stops to oppose it because it’s bad for the industry’s bottom line.”
Among the myths the column dispels:
- Offshore wind does not hurt tourism or home prices.
- There are much worse threats to fishing than offshore wind.
- Offshore wind turbines are not wasteful.
- There is no evidence to suggest that offshore wind site surveys have killed or could kill whales.
Read the column: “The Oil and Gas Industry Is Behind Offshore Wind Misinformation” by Mariel Lutz and Jenny Rowland-Shea
For more information or to speak with an expert, please contact Sam Hananel at [email protected].