Political leaders in the US have introduced a bill that would set national offshore wind targets of 12.5 GW on the outer continental shelf by 2025 and 25 GW by 2030
The Ocean-Based Climate Solutions Act was introduced by Representative Jared Huffman (D-CA), a member of the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis and chair of the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Oceans, and Wildlife and supported by several other Democrats politicians.
Other Democrats supporting the bill include Natural Resources Committee chair Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), Select Committee on the Climate Crisis chair Kathy Castor (D-FL), chairwoman of the US House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX), and representatives Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Alan Lowenthal (D-CA), Deb Haaland (D-NM) and Joe Neguse (D-CO).
The bill integrates ‘evidence-based approaches’ to protect the ocean and coastal communities, promote sustainable job opportunities, and support clean offshore energy while reducing the impact of the climate crisis.
The act lays out a roadmap to leverage sea-based renewable energy – particularly offshore wind – while boosting the climate resiliency of marine and coastal ecosystems and coastal communities.
Responding to the bill, American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) chief executive Tom Kiernan said, “Our thanks go to House Natural Resources Committee chairman Grijalva; Water, Oceans, & Wildlife Subcommittee chairman Huffman; and Energy & Minerals Subcommittee chairman Lowenthal for their work to help our country harness the economic and environmental benefits of offshore wind.
“The Ocean-Based Climate Solutions Act will help blow the wind into the sails of the American offshore wind industry, setting national offshore wind goals of 12.5 GW on the outer continental shelf by 2025 and 25 GW by 2030.
“AWEA expects 30 GW of offshore wind by 2030 will produce 83,000 jobs and US$25Bn in annual economic output. This act will go a long way in realising those benefits. We look forward to continuing to work with these and other leaders on this important legislation.”
Like the House Democrats’ Climate Crisis Action Plan, the bill prioritises ‘just and equitable climate solutions’ for communities of colour, low-income communities, tribal and indigenous communities, and the US Territories and Freely Associated States.
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