California Governor Gavin Newsom has committed US$20M in California’s proposed FY 2021-22 budget as what has been described as a ‘down payment’ to spur responsible development of offshore wind energy
If approved by the legislature, the funds will enable the state to engage with stakeholders, accelerate permitting of offshore wind projects and upgrade port infrastructure needed to build out the offshore wind supply chain.
Governor Newsom’s revised budget, known colloquially as the May Revise, is part of a US$100Bn ‘California Comeback Plan.’ Among other things, the plan also includes funding for transmission planning; pre-commercial long duration storage; energy efficiency upgrades; and green hydrogen production.
Responding, Offshore Wind California executive director Adam Stern said, “We are very pleased that Governor Newsom has committed US$20M in California’s proposed FY 2021-22 budget revision as a down payment to spur responsible development of offshore wind power.
“This is an important investment and a sign of things to come for Golden State workers and its nascent offshore wind industry.
“Offshore wind will be a key contributor to help California support a clean energy economy by delivering gigawatts of competitively priced power and thousands of family wage union jobs, while protecting marine and coastal resources.
“We are encouraged by Governor Newsom’s statement that offshore wind siting negotiations with the Secretaries of the Interior and Defense are progressing.
“The Governor said his administration and the Departments of Interior and Defense would “… announce together, very shortly, an incredible opportunity for offshore wind development in the state.”
“Responsible development of offshore wind will be essential for California to reach its ambitious clean energy and climate goals. Accelerated state and federal planning can result in an initial supply of 3 GW of offshore wind for California by 2030, contributing to President Biden’s national goal of 30 GW by the end of the decade.
“With some of the most powerful and reliable offshore wind resources in the world, California can build a thriving industry with thousands of high-skilled jobs and deliver a minimum of 10 GW of renewable offshore wind energy by 2040, enough to provide electricity for at least 7.5M California homes.”
Also commenting on the plan, National Resources Defence Council senior attorney, climate and clean energy programme Alex Jackson said, “The onus now shifts to the legislature, which must approve the budget in advance of California’s 15 June constitutional deadline.
“But with equally ambitious proposals already emerging from the Senate and expected from the Assembly, all signs point to a historic year for investing in clean energy and climate resilience to propel California’s economic comeback.”
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