WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King released the following statement today on Statoil’s decision to no longer pursue its offshore wind project in Maine:

“I am very disappointed to learn that Statoil intends to cease the development of its offshore wind project in Maine. I strongly believe that the floating offshore wind industry, including Statoil’s proposal, presents Maine with a once-in-a-hundred year opportunity to become a global leader in an emerging energy field that would not only put Mainers to work, but also grow our state’s economy for years to come. Much to my regret, however, the realization of that opportunity suffered a serious setback today, and I am disappointed by the news.

“Despite this announcement, though, the fact remains that the Gulf of Maine continues to be one of the world’s premier resource locations to harvest wind energy, and moving forward, it is my hope that it will also continue to serve as an ocean laboratory for offshore pilot projects, and eventually, full-scale wind farms that will deliver clean, home-grown energy to homes throughout Maine and the northeast at a reasonable cost. I truly believe it would be a monumental mistake if Maine did not seize upon this industry’s enormous potential." 

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