As someone who once supported the concept of offshore wind for its promise of economic growth, job creation, and environmental benefits, I am now deeply troubled by what has transpired surrounding this industry, and the actual effect it is having on our communities.
From a technical perspective, the turbines being built here are far larger than those used in Europe, and it seems that there are valid questions surrounding potential environmental impacts on our fishing industry and whale populations that have not been fully vetted.

Now, with debris continuing to wash onshore in Westport and along the South Coast, this situation is rapidly becoming a disaster. I am absolutely appalled at the response from Vineyard Wind, and at the total lack of transparency on what allowed such a huge failure to take place.

It is clear to me that offshore wind has become a total boondoggle and poses a serious threat to the safety of our environment and economy — the exact opposite of what was sold to us.

Previously, action on a request from Westport residents to the Select Board to create an offshore wind committee was delayed, with members citing the lack of any official proposal from Vineyard Wind to the town.

While there is currently no official proposal to land cables in Westport, the existence of detailed plans, maps, and studies indicates that it remains a real possibility.

With the continued environmental crisis unfolding on our beaches, there can be no doubt that concerns surrounding the effects of offshore wind on our town deserve to be investigated.

I urge the Select Board to immediately reconsider establishing an offshore wind committee to address these concerns, or to at the very least shed some light on a process that has all too often been kept in the dark in other towns across Massachusetts.

While I am a member of the Westport School Committee and the Westport Finance Committee, I write to you as an individual concerned citizen, and the views expressed in this letter are mine alone.

Christopher Thrasher
Westport