Native Americans tell Biden to halt offshore wind

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) has adopted a resolution calling on the Biden Administration to halt all permitting and scoping for offshore wind projects until a comprehensive procedure is in place to protect tribal interests. 

The resolution demands that Tribal Nations be included in the management, permitting, and development of power purchase agreements and consulted in determining the terms and conditions of the agreements. The NCAI also demands that fair compensation is negotiated for the use of their lands and resources and that the development does not harm their environment or cultural heritage. 

The Biden Administration has set a goal for the US to reach 100 percent carbon pollution-free electricity by 2035, with offshore wind being one of the key pillars of this plan. 

However, this call by Native Americans may impact the progress of offshore wind development until a comprehensive procedure to protect tribal interests is established.