Bill > SB00063

This bill requires the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to develop new regulations for offshore wind projects by October 1, 2026, focusing on comprehensive mitigation measures to protect wildlife, marine ecosystems, and the fishing industry. Specifically, the bill mandates that future offshore wind project proposals must include enhanced mitigation strategies addressing potential adverse impacts on wildlife, birds, marine mammals, and fisheries. The regulations will require selected wind project bidders to make initial and recurring payments into a dedicated offshore wind project mitigation fund, with strict conditions that these funds cannot be returned to the bidders and cannot be administered by them. Additionally, the bill establishes an independent oversight committee to manage and distribute these mitigation funds, which will cover ongoing damages to stakeholders and the environment during and after the operational phases of offshore wind projects. The bill also uniquely includes provisions for workforce development retraining for fishermen who might be negatively impacted by offshore wind operations, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to addressing potential economic and environmental challenges associated with offshore wind energy development.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Environment Committee (J)

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB00063&which_year=2025