Offshore Wind – Voices of Austin @CCLATX

Re: Dec. 23 article, “Administration suspends 5 wind projects off the East Coast over security concerns”

It is mind boggling that large offshore wind energy projects that are under construction were paused by the Trump administration in the name of national security. These projects were awarded permits following review by state and federal agencies. The Department of Defense was consulted at every stage of the permitting process. Based on my professional experience, design and construction of large projects go through an arduous permitting process to ensure safety and security.

Clean energy reduces dependence on polluting fossil fuels, improving people’s health. That is why most Americans want to transition to clean power. This administration has routinely thrown roadblocks to this transition, showing a lack of concern for the welfare of its own people.

New data centers are moving forward in the U.S. They are energy guzzlers, raising overall electricity prices for all customers. To ensure access to affordable energy, the pause must be lifted so these wind energy projects can finish.

Kalpana Sutaria, Media Team Leader for the Austin, Texas Chapter, Citizens’ Climate Lobby

Published in the Austin American-Statesman, January 4, 2026

Re: Dear Senator Cornyn and Cruz – Please support the bi-partisan RISEE Act

The Reinvesting in Shoreline Economies and Ecosystems (RISEE) Act was introduced in the 118th Congress by Senators Whitehouse (D-RI) and Cassidy (R-LA). Sea level rise, storm surge, increase in ocean temperatures and acidification from climate change are harming coastal communities and will continue to do so unless emissions are dramatically reduced. 25 million Americans including Texans are vulnerable to coastal flooding.

The RISEE act would create an offshore revenue sharing model and would direct portion of revenue generated by off-shore wind projects toward vulnerable coastal communities who must use it for coastal restoration, conservation or infrastructure. The RISEE act ensures that National Offshore Coastal Security Fund and Gulf of Mexico energy Security Act funding are protected from sequestration.

Future is bright for offshore wind energy which grew 24% from early 2020 through early 2021. Ask our senators to support this bi-partisan RISEE Act and help coastal communities of our state.

Kalpana Sutaria

Project Manager, City of Austin and Member, Citizens’ Climate Lobby Austin Chapter

Submitted to the Austin American-Statesman

March 2023