By Bob Katzen

House 25-129, rejected an amendment that would delete a section of the budget that would transfer $35 million, in fiscal years 2026 and 2027, from the General Fund to the Massachusetts Offshore Wind Industry Investment Trust Fund.

“Offshore wind has demonstrated serious challenges with its economic viability and continues to depend heavily on taxpayer subsidies,” said amendment sponsor Rep. Ken Sweezey (R-Duxbury). “At the same time, our commercial fishermen have raised significant concerns about the safety and economic impacts of these projects on an industry that has supported Massachusetts communities for generations. I cannot justify committing up to another $70 million in taxpayer dollars to subsidize large energy corporations, and I will always stand with our fishing industries and local blue economy partners.”

Amendment opponent Rep. Mark Cusack (D-Braintree) said that despite setbacks, offshore wind remains vital to our economic growth, providing thousands of good-paying jobs and helping to power our ever-growing climate tech economy. He noted that the fund in Massachusetts has supported more than 3,700 jobs over the course of construction and generated more than $380 million in direct wages and benefits for workers. He argued that the fund has played a vital role in building and sustaining this industry.

(A “Yes” vote is for the amendment which would keep the $70 million in the General Fund. A “No” vote is against the amendment and supports putting the $70 million in the Offshore Wind Industry Investment Trust Fund.)

Rep. Christine Barber No Rep. Mike Connolly No Rep. Paul Donato No Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven No