Deepwater Wind has installed the first offshore wind turbine off the U.S. coast near Block Island, Rhode Island, marking a major milestone in alternative energy and wind power.

Miles Grant, a spokesman for the National Wildlife Federation, touted the installation as part of the 30-megawatt project as a pivotal moment in the development of offshore energy.

Providence, Rhode Island-based Deepwater also has proposed a 90-megawatt, 15-turbine South Fork Wind Farm off the coast of Montauk that would be the biggest in the nation.

LIPA’s board had been expected to approve that project in July, but instead delayed a vote at the request of the New York State Energy, Research and Development Authority.

NYSERDA is seeking to develop a master plan for wind power in the region stretching from Rhode Island to Long Island.

While questions still hover around the South Fork Wind Farm, the start of construction off Block Island could be a preview of more things to come.

“Today’s turbine installation shows that offshore wind power is a real, viable option for states along the coast to transition to clean energy,” Grant said in a written statement. “This can and must be the beginning of something big – a new clean energy chapter for America that can create thousands of jobs and protect wildlife and communities from the dangers of climate change.”

He said “conservationists have spent over a decade pushing for wildlife-friendly offshore wind power,” adding that it is “gratifying to finally see this new clean energy industry launch right here in New England.”

Grant also called on “state leaders along the coast to make bold commitments to offshore wind power and seize this golden opportunity off their shores.”

The 30-megawatt, 5-turbine Block Island Wind Farm is scheduled to begin generating power later this year, supplying most of Block Island’s power.

If LIPA approves and it obtains the necessary approvals, Deepwater said it could begin construction in 2019 off Long Island and begin generating power by 2022.